#Cain was his fail safe

[unfried-mouth-wheat]

What if Cain is the one who betrays Belos and Hunter remains loyal?

Belos would have never accounted for this. But he's quick, and can twist near any situation to his benefit. Deprive Cain of his means to control his curse then lock him up. Bring Hunter to the cell, show him what happens when you give into wild magic. See how your brother cries, Hunter? See how his own body has turned against him? His curse is eating him from the inside out. This, this is what wild magic does. You're all I have left, Hunter. My only family. Help me. Stay with me, and help me find a cure for your brother.

Let me save him.

[seonghwaddict]

to taint your soul — choi san

in which apparently even the daughter of an exorcist is not safe from the corruption of an incubus.

incubus!choi san x exorcist’s daughter!fem!reader. genre. smut, angst, southern gothic vibes. warnings. barely any plot, religious themes, religious guilt, swearing, explicit sexual content mdni, corruption, loss of virginity, masturbation (f.), referenced dacryphilia, fingering, referenced oral (f.), manhandling?, multiple orgasms, rough and gentle, big dick!san, creampie, marking, nicknames (angel, pretty girl, sweet girl, sweetheart). wc. 7.3k. rating. mature.

lilo’s notes. i should do more mythological characters!ateez cuz i enjoyed writing this and the lamb and the wolf. the demonology book/text here is partially from The Encylopedia of Demons and Demonology by Rosemary Ellen Guiley, but i made up some parts for the sake of the story. THIS FIC DOES NOT REPRESENT ANY OF MY OPINIONS AND I DO NOT INTEND TO OFFEND ANYONE.

listening to. burning desire, lana del rey // gibson girl, ethel cain // lilies, ethel cain & mercy necromancy // ptolemaea, ethel cain // heaven, taemin

masterlist.

you were cursed from the moment you were born.

the idea of being cursed or haunted by anything isn’t one you think about often, considering yourself protected by your father’s profession. at least one dusty bible on every bookshelf in the colonial monstrosity that is your home and crucifixes hung all around, it seems to be common sense that an exorcist’s home would be the safest place to hide from the dark.

unaware of it all, you used to let yourself be tucked into your lace-trimmed bedsheets as he pulled you to sleep with stories. tales of fallen angels and possessed souls became the lullabies of your childhood. admittedly, you were quite terrified of it all, but as you grew older and wiser, you realised there was no way they could get to you. but really, it was wishful thinking.

you weren’t aware of who your father used to be, nor were you aware of the debt he owed to a particular demon.

the dreams started the night after your twentieth birthday, vivid and unsettling. a man haunted them, equally as terrifying as he was handsome. tall and clad in dark silks, his whispered words and hungry eyes intrigued you. his touch, though a figment of your imagination, sent shivers down your spine, foreign yet infinitely alluring. you’d wake up with a jolt, panting, flushed cheeks and tingling skin as the dream stuck to you like cobwebs. your father passed the repeated dreams off as nightmares and you failed to notice the flash of fear cross his features.

one night, however, you were changing in your room. dimly illuminated by multiple candles you set around since you didn’t like how bright the large chandelier was, you held a dress in each of your hands, standing in front of the mirror as you held the clothing to your body in an attempt to figure out what to wear. you didn’t notice at first, but a figure lurked in the shadows of the bedroom. you didn’t notice the shift in the atmosphere or the flicker of the candles.

but soon, a soft sigh sounded through the room, so soft it could’ve been mistake for a whistling breeze outside your window. goosebumps prickled at your skin as you tensed, refusing to move at the oddly human sound. staring at yourself in the mirror intently, you caught a glimpse of a familiar face in the reflection of your mirror. your breath hitched as you fixed your eyes on him, afraid that if you blinked, he’d disappear.

you watched him. watched him take slow steps towards you as he smirked at the sight of your wide, fearful yet infinitely pure and innocent eyes. you convinced yourself you were hallucinating, the disturbingly realistic sounds of his footsteps as much of a figment of imagination as his being. but as he stood right behind you, a coldness swept over your skin and you flinched as his breath fanned against your bare shoulder. whipping around in surprise, you yelped softly at the sensation. but he was gone, and you were alone. breath erratic and eyes stinging, you scrambled to move a wooden cross stand from the top of your dresser to your bedside table.

after that you grew paranoid, always looking over your shoulder, sleeping with at least two safe and reliable candles lit. each time you walked through the hallways of your own home, you kept your gaze fixed on the ground, refusing to look at the portraits lining the dark walls as you thought they were watching you. the tiniest of sounds made you flinch and break a sweat, squeezing your eyes shut and muttering prayers, only to find out the sound came from either of your parents.

the constant state of fear and anxiety left you tired, deciding if your father wasn’t going to do anything about it, you would. on quiet feet, you crept through the halls at noon (you were too scared to go to that room at night), a rosary wrapped around your hand with a dainty little cross hanging from your clenched palm.

you father really was a well-known exorcist, often to go on trips within and beyond the country to treat what doctors couldn’t; demonic possessions. as a symbol of his successes and a means to prevent others from coming in contact with whatever a demon may have attached itself to, he brought home trophies and locked them in a little storage room in the basement. of course, he took many precautions—crucifixes all over the inside and outside, sprinkles of holy water here and there, he’d have your local priest come over and bless the area himself. despite all this, you never once stepped in, partially because your father advised you not to, mostly because you were completely and utterly terrified.

as you descended the creaking wooden stairs, a chill ran through you, the hairs at your nape standing in alert. maybe you were scaring yourself more than the room scared you. the dust tickled your nostrils, making you force down a sneeze as you cleared your throat. the wooden floorboards extended into a narrow hallway, lined by cobblestone walls. you rarely came down, in fact, you couldn’t remember the last time you were there, the surroundings seeming so foreign. there were only two doors, one leading to a storage closet and the other to a slightly scarier storage closet.

you stared up at the ominous door, standing tall and intimidating, a golden cross embossed right in the centra, doorknob dark and rusted. with shaky hands, you fished a copper from the hidden pocket of your plaid gown. it half-hearted a few sloppy attempts until you got the key in, squeezing your eyes shut as you force yourself to finally turn it.

another chill ran through your body as you push the door open weakly, cracking an eye open to look inside. had you come at night, you wouldn’t have been able to see anything, the only source of light being an elongated shirt window lining the top of the right wall, an inch below the ceiling. three shelves. one on the right, one of the left, and one down the middle of the room. the middle and left one were lined with various objects. you walked between them, looking but not daring to touch. the objects were quite diverse, you realised. dolls, clocks, little statues.

you took your time to get to the shelf you needed. along with these objects, you father also locked away any books he had that were related to demons in any way. most of them were confiscated from cults, some of their were from his personal collection. he claimed they were to protect you, and you didn’t completely disbelieve him. taking a deep breath before letting it out in a sigh, looking at all the titles. your fingertips ran over their leather bound spines, feeling the wrinkles and grooves. you knew there would be a lot, but as you looked upon the entire shelf, you estimated a good hundred-fifty books.

he organised them by categories. summoning, excommunication, identifying. identifying. that’s what you needed. you took a closer look at the section, nervousness fading briefly to be replaced by a faint taste of hope.

the encyclopaedia of demons and demonology.

deciding there had to be something in there, you pulled it out. the book itself was simple, bound in black leather. the cover was nothing special, just the title and author. by the looks of it, you’d be here for a while, seemingly at least three hundred pages long. you looked around the dark room, a small wooden desk was tucked into the corner though not a chair in sight. with a soft sigh, you walked over on weak knees, apprehensive about what you’d find in the book.

despite your father’s profession and all the bedtime stories, you never came in contact with demons or the spirit world. setting the book on the desk, you opened it to the index, having to squint to make out the text. but the next time you lifted your eyes off the page, a brass candle holder was tucked into the corner of the table.

you blinked. there was no way that was there before, but maybe you had just missed it. the pale yellow candle stood half melted, the hardened wax forming veins that ran down the sides and pooled in the brass bowl.

you held your breath momentarily before beginning to read through the a to z list of demons and other dark entities and their descriptions. you only skimmed, lingering on any that mentioned appearing in nightmares only to dismiss them when the rest of their descriptions didn’t match with your experience. surprised by just how much there was to read, you felt just a little curious, occasionally stopping to read extracts that had piqued your interest. it wasn’t until you got all the way to section i where something actually seemed to be helpful.

‘incubus—a lewd male demon who pursues women for sex. the incubus and his female counterpart, the succubus, visit women and men in their sleep, lie and press heavily upon them, and seduce them.’

you nearly missed it, continuing your skimming until the description registered, scrambling to turn back the page and reread it.

“oh.” you breathed at the realisation. that seemed to be the most accurate thus far, your finger tracing over the name as you furrowed your eyebrows and continued reading. the next paragraphs detailed how they’re conjured and where the name came from. you read some more.

‘incubi are especially attracted to women with beautiful hair, young virgins, chaste widows, and all “devout” females. nuns are among the most vulnerable and could be molested in the confessional as well as in bed. while the majority of women are forced into sex by the incubi, some of them submit willingly and even enjoy the act. it once was a common belief that women were more likely than men to be the sexual victims of demons, because women were inferior to men and less able to resist temptation.

incubi have enormous phalluses that—’

slamming the book shut, your eyes widened and a deep blush settled over your features, just staring at the cover for a moment as you collected yourself from the sudden vulgarity of the writing. after a moment, you cleared your throat and reopened the page, strategically skipping over the next paragraphs that detailed accounts of intercourse with such a demon.

‘an incubus may form attachments to those whose minds are occupied with dark and inherently sexual desires, those that are impure. one also can be summoned for coital gratifications, or a deal in which one’s first born is ommonly offered to repay their sevices (see: dealing with the demons, page 218).’

but that couldn’t be right. you always made sure to be a good girl, always helped at home. you volunteered to read to children at a local orphanage, always helped with charities and donations, always assisted people where you knew you could, stayed soft spoken and always began your requests with please and ended them with thank you. you kept to yourself most of the time, would never dare to raise your voice at anyone, never had any romantic interest, let alone sexual ones.

admittedly, the dreams involving the man— the demon had you waking up with an uncomfortable stickiness between your thighs. but before that, you never indulged. after that, you never indulged either, instead jumping from your bed and taking an ice could bath to calm yourself from the strange feeling. the temptations were always there and were always strong, but your want to be immaculate was stronger. to be free of sin.

a deal in which one’s first born is offered.

it seemed impossible, almost. you knew your father was a righteous man and your mother a pure woman. but where your mother happily shared stories of her childhood as heart-warming anecdotes, your father only dropped tidbits of his memories despite considering you two to be extremely close. you always chalked it up to him being a little boring or generally not very open. but maybe there was more to it…

“there you go, sweetheart.”

you nearly jumped out of your skin at the sound of his voice, pushing the book away from you as you turned around a little too quickly, your knee knocking against the edge of the table.

there he stood, barely illuminated by the singular window as he took slow steps towards you much like the other day.

“so, you’ve finally figured it out, huh?”

each time he took a step, his muscles visible through the loose black silk, you inched away until the top of your thigh hit the wooden table, your hands bracing themselves on it to keep you from collapsing in fear. the closer he got, the more you realised just how attractive he was. broad-shouldered and radiating confidence, his feline eyes roamed over your figure. depite wearing a white gown that reached all the way down to your ankles, you felt so exposed.

tongue swiping along his bottom lip, drawing your attention to the action. he towered over you, making you feel weak and small as he trapped you against the table. your heart pounded against your ribcage and you feared it would break free and fall into his hands, unsure if the warmth on your cheeks and ump in your throat came from how utterly petrified you were or the way his breath fanned over your face like a whisper.

“your dearest father isn’t who he says he is,” he pouted mockingly, coming to a stop inches in front of you, letting his gaze settle on your quivering lips for a moment, “and me? well, you know what i am. and you also know we can have lots of fun if you allow it.”

your lips parted to speak but no words came out, instead opting to press them into a thin line and squeezing your eyes shut as you shook your head. you weren’t completely sure why you wer shaking your head, but if it would stop the incubus from tainting you, it was worth a try.

“don’t kid yourself, princess. i can smell how wet you are.” as if to emphasise his point, he inhaled deeply, leaning forward to ghost his nose over the slope of your neck without touching you.

it wasn’t until he said it that you notice you had been squeezing your thighs together, feeling warm all over and you stomach twisted in knots at the sound of his deep voice. something ached in your lower regions, but you tried your hardest to resist the thoughts.

but a little voice in the back of your head urged you to tilt your head back, to give him permission, to let his hands explore your untouched body. maybe just this once you could allow yourself to give in, to let your knees go weak and worry about begging for forgiveness later.

“all you have to do is drop the rosary.”

you gripped it tighter at the reminder of the protective object tangled between your fingers, fighting to keep your sanity intact. your breath hitched as you felt one of his fingers run along the beads, not daring to come close to the little silver cross or your skin.

“c’mon, pretty girl. drop it,” you heard the smirk in his voice, “let it go and i’ll take good care of you, i can make you feel things you’ve never thought of… i can make you feel alive, wouldn’t you love that? don’t you want to feel the desire? taste the lust?”

“n-no,” you gasped finally, finding your words, “it’s not right.“

he laughed, a low rumble from his chest, “i promise you’ll love being ruined by me,” he said, withdrawing his hand from yours, “i swear to all your precious little holy symbols, i know i can get you to want me.”

he moved closer and for a maddening moment you thought he was going to kiss you. faintly, you wanted him to. to feel the push of his lips against yours, to let his hands snake around your waist or grip your hips to pull you closer. there’s a ring on his index finger, you noticed, silvery and sharp, a symbol you didn’t recognise yet imagine him pressing it against your throat, branding your neck anew until it’s red and faithful. and maybe you crave for him to undo all the things in you that are holy.

“just drop it, pretty,” his breath teased your lips and you almost leaned forward in curiosity, wanting to see how just one kiss would feel, “i know you’re a good girl.”

those words. they’re almost enough for you to give in. how did he know those would strike a nerve, hit you where he knew it would work? not only did all your efforts ultimately lead to the same goal—purity, goodness—but you couldn’t deny the satisfaction you felt from reassurance. if you were an animal, you’d strive to be the priest’s favourite sacrificial lamb. to hold so very still and to bleed so prettily when the knife final comes down, to be reborn and be chosen all over again.

“don’t you get it?” he whispered, “i live inside you the same way you’re bound to live inside me. we’re a moebius strip, a never ending cycle of a snake eating it’s own tail. maybe it will end in destruction, but that’s your dear father’s doing. mutually assured destruction, maybe; you say yes, i’ll ruin you for everyone else, blacken the wool of your fur coat. you say no to me, i will suffer the consequences of not fulfilling a deal. you wouldn’t want someone to suffer because of you, hm?”

your grip on the rosary loosened and let your eyes finally flutter open. from this proximity, you could see every detail of his face and the image seared into your mind.

something in his eyes darkened as his lips curled, a playful smile, a predatory grin. the way he looked at you made you want to combust into flames, to fall to your knees, you skin rubbed raw on the ground as you beg him to make you feel.

“you don’t look so innocent anymore, you know? you’re docile and sweet, yes, but you’re not as pure as you think you are, there’s a little dirt in your pristine heart, a little lustful stain you can’t erase.”

“y-you’re wrong!” you protested, trying to convince yourself he was lying, “i’m good and i’ve always been good and i always will be good and i will not for the devil’s influence.”

“oh, but i’m not,” he pouted mockingly, moving his head back just an inch, looking down at you, “you’re practically shaking, so close to giving in… you’re the most pious girl here, yet you’re so close to sin, so close to me.”

you opened your mouth to continue your protests but flinched as you heard familiar heavy footsteps, looking up at the little window to see the familiar boots of your father about to enter the house after a long day of work. he was out, casting out malicious spirits and demons, and here you were, about to let one deflower you. the realisation seemingly made you come back to your senses, clenching the roary in your hand once more and looking for a way past him.

but… what would you even do afterwards? confront your father, the town’s devout exorcist, for making deals with the incubus in front of you? would he call you crazy, deny everything and treat you like just another one of his clients?

the footsteps were now above you, you could faintly hear him saying something to your mother though you couldn’t quite make out what it was. you’d never been as afraid of anything as you were of your own father, standing right above you, acting like he hadn’t damned you from the day you were conceived.

as if he could read your thoughts, could sense your panic that was completely unrelated to him, the incubus stepped back. his face was unreadable as his glazed over eyes fixated on you.

“don’t worry, sweet girl, i can wait. the longer you resist, the better it’ll feel when you finally surrender,” he gave you a small smile, different from the previous grins and smirks, as he nodded towards the window, “go.”

you could’ve run away the moment he stepped back, yet you didn’t move until he gave you the permission. you didn’t dwell on that fact as you slipped past him and reached up, shaky hands undoing the latch and opening outwards. you attempted to climb up, your arms burning as you tried lifting yourself, only to give up, panting softly from the effort.

“let me help you.” his voice offered, prompting you to look back at him. the seductive glint in his eyes was no longer there, taking a small step forward. “just… put it down, i promise i’ll help you and leave.”

you stared at him for a long moment. there was something so different in the way he looked at you now, suddenly soft and with good intentions. the voice of your father calling your name snapped you out of your stupor, nodding hurridely as you placed the rosary on the grass outside carefully before turning to look at him.

he gestured for you to turn away, your hands finding your hips as you did. the contact made you breath hitched, despite your layers of clothing between your curves and his hands, your stomach tickled with swarming butterflies as he lifted you up. the heat of his body behind yours distracted you for a moment, taken aback at how real he felt, how human he felt, even as he lifted you with ease.

you braced your forearms on the ground, pulling yourself up the rest of the way as he spoke.

“whisper my name three times, and i’ll be summoned wherever you are, ready to fulfill your needs.”

you stayed quiet for a moment, just sitting on the ground as you looked down at him, now able to see his full face clearning from his proximity to the window. “what’s your name?”

“san,” he smiled, “choi san.”

you loked away, up at your house as your father’s concerned voice called out your name again. “i should get going, but–,” you looked down to thank him, only to find an empty room and a sealed window. your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, voiced trailing off, “thank you…”

the first time you touched yourself, it was san you were thinking about.

late at night, your parents fast asleep, a storm ragin outside, but all you could do was think about him. you tried, you really did. you tried to go back in the house and pretend everything was fine, that you had just been on a walk and your flushed face was from the excercise. secretely, all you could think about was him. how you wanted him to show up again—wanted him to make your breath hitch and your heart jump. wanted him to soothe whatever it was that ached inside you; the burn in the pit of your stomach, the spot where your waist met your hips, but most of all between your legs, were it had never ached like this before.

you excused yourself from dinner earlier, went to bed, and tried so desperately to fall asleep. whether it was to forget about it all, or to meet him in your dreams again, you couldn’t tell. you really tried, but haunting thoughts of how his hands held onto you rolled into your mind with images of all the things he could do to you. the raspy lilt of his voice, sometimes soft, sometimes commanding in a way that made your limbs feel like jello at the mere thought of it. his sharp eyes and sharp jaw and such tempting lips. he could have a kind face if he wanted to, yet his toned body, visible and obvious despite trying to hide behind his clothing, screamed sex appeal.

flashes from your previous dreams raced through your mind too. fragments of images where you could feel his hands all over you, his dark hair sticking to his sweat forehead, eyes rolled back from the pleasure he gave himself while you were forced to watch. you never quite gave in in the dreams either.

you tossed and turned in your bed, thighs pressed together so tight you worried you’d have long bruises down your inner thighs the next morning. the new feeling felt much too large for your fragile mind, overwhelming you, making your loose clothes feel suffocating. it wouldn’t leave you alone, wouldn’t let you sleep. mostly because you didn’t want to give the feeling a name, you refused to speak its name, even in your mind, even if it could identify this feeling.

pent-up and strained, coiled into yourself in a foetal position, you could only roll onto your back and let your hand trail down your body, hiking up the long skirt of your nightgown before letting your fingers dip between your thighs, spread at the knees. you let out a shaky gasp as you felt the wetness pooled beneath your undergarments, clamping your other hand over your lips. after feeling around experimentally, your fingers found a quick pace, rubbing over your clit, more desperate than they had ever been. your hand muffled your gasped out moans and whimpers, tears pricking at your eyes—partly from the guilt, mostly from the pleasure. you felt your heart beat all over your body, most of all right below your moistened fingertips.

shaky breaths and muffled needy cries were covered by both your hand and the storm outside your window. if hurts a little, your clit swelling as more and more slick coats it and the knot in your stomach grows tighter and tighter. but you don’t mind the pain, you think you deserve it, because after all, it’s forbidden and it’s not supposed to feel good. san is not supposed to make you feel so good. a demon was the one thing that wasn’t supposed to be on your mind, especially not in this way.

the thought of him made your hand move faster and suddenly your breath was stuttering and your core pulse as you finish quickly, biting down on your lip, hard enough to cut through the skin, to muffle your cries. when you came down from your high, you lay there for a few moments longer, heart racing as you glance at the door to make sure it was still closed. and when you realised what you had just done, shame clouded your lungs as you slipped your fingers out of your panties and raised them to your face.

your hands came away sticky. transparents webs of your pleasure linking your index and middle fingers together as you stared in horror before finally collecting yourself and jumping from your bed to scrub the sin from your hands in your bathroom.

you scrubbed until your fingers turned red and your palms raw, losing sensation from the ice cold water, the guilt sinking deeper and deeper the longer you took to cleanse your body. you hadn’t noticed the tears running down your cheeks until you stared at yourself in the mirror, sniffling and glossy-eyed. your body might be clean, but were you? if you wanted to be immaculate, how could you let yourself do such a thing?

it was his fault, really. him and his midnight eyes and electric touches and words that would drive you to madness, damnation.

you changed your panties and nightgown, burying them in your laundry basket as if you were burying the evidence of a crime. once done, you wanted nothing more than to sink into your bed and fall asleep. but as you stared at what you once thought was comforting, you could only think about your soft whimpers and shaking thighs. so you stripped your bed naked to decorate it anew with clean sheets and blankets and pillows, shoving the previous ones under your bed before finally falling into a deep sleep.

shame followed you like a pest for the next days, unable to properly smile because all you could think about was what you had done. and what you wanted to do. a heavy melancholy washed over you in these days, confining yourself to your room when ou didn’t have to come down for meals. if your parents picked up on it, they didn’t say anything. maybe they knew. what if they know?

maybe they didn’t say anything because they knew about san. perhaps they thought it was fate, that you would give in sooner or later. despite cracking a bit, you stood by your conviction that you wouldn’t, no matter what, summon him.

but… was he really so bad? had you not seen a moment of softness when he helped you? demons were, after all, fallen angels. could it really be so impossible he still had a sprinkle of previous angeilc qualities? silently, you were thankful he hadn’t showed up on his own again. if he did, you were afraid you’d throw away all sense of faith and throw yourself into his arms, let him kiss you and lick you and suck you and bite you and everything in between.

despite all this, despite not wanting to summon him, you couldn’t deny the unsettling feeling weighing you down with each step. it had been there before—before whatever happened in the basement—dragging your seemingly heavy limbs through vacant hallways. but when he touched you, when his fingertips brushed against yours as he touched the shiny black beads of your rosary even though he didn’t mean to, when his hands lifted you into the air and helped you escape, the way he talked to you, his words and tone, that unsettling feeling had been lifted off your shoulders.

you noticed, for a brief moment, when you spent that short amount of time with him, you had no desire to think of god or rules or expectations. even if it was for a split second, it happened, and perhaps that what terrified you the most. just wanted to be, something you hadn’t been allowed for so long.

so when your parents said they’d be out late for some dinner you had no interest in attending, you paced around your room, deep in thought as your typical long nightgown tickled your ankles. millions of thoughts raced through your kind but, at the core, they were all the same. san, san, san. you felt like he had attached himself to your very soul, and you’re not quite sure how it happened.

without thinking, you stopped your pacing, glancing at the crucifix on your bedside table, a reminder. you couldn’t take it anymore, reaching out to take the wooden symbol and hide it in your closet. was it really wrong if it was still there, only trapped behind the wooden double doors, nestled between your skirts and shirts and gowns and gowns? out of sight, you felt less bad about what you were going to do.

your eyes squeezed shut and you did as he told you to, lips parting to whisper his name thrice. almost instantly, a gust of wind blew through your room and you knew there was someone else there with you. your eyes remained shut until you heard footsteps stalking towards you, his familiar voice filling the eerie silence of the room.

“hello, angel,” he grinned, borderline menacing, as he backed you up against your dresser. much like before, you were trapped, the back of your thighs pressed against the wood. only this time, you weren’t afraid, “i knew you’d give in sooner rather than later.”

you didn’t reply, didn’t know how to reply, only breathing shallowly, fingers curling into the edge of your dresser as you glanced from his eyes to his lips repeatedly.

“you need to give me permission, you know,” he chuckled, tilting his head to the side, “there are rules for deals such as these.”

“please.” you breathed, somewhere between a whisper and a needy whine as your round eyes looked up at him so desperately.

as soon as the word left you, his lips were on yours. hungry, devouring you, sucking on your bottom lip like it’s a candy as you can’t help but melt and whimper against him. his hand found your cheek, the touch surprisingly soft compared to the madness of his kisses. your heart rattled against your ribcage like a bird wanting to escape its confines. his saccharine saliva seeped into your mouth as his tongue broke past your lips, running over your teeth and the roof of your mouth as you let him do whatever he wanted.

his hands are all over you and yours are all over him, grabbing at each other because there was no way to get any closer like this. your thoughts, unlike before, are completely quiet, head empty and drunk on the sloppy kisses, mouthfuls of teeth clashing against each other. he was supposed to be gentle, he wanted to be gentle, yet now you’re pressed against the dresser and he’s kissing you hard.

it was wrong, but it felt too good. that was clear from the moment your kisses turn open-mouthed, lips clinging and tongues dancing. you shivered as both his hands held you by your hips once more, lifting you to sit on the edge of the oak furniture, caressing your hips bones through the thin fabric of your dress.

your hands rug at his shirt lightly, a silent plea for him to remove it, wanting to see and feel every inch of his divine body. he complies, separating his lips from your to reach over his shoulder and grip the silky shirt from the back, pulling it over his head, tossing it aside. your hands explore his naked torso, fingernails scratching along his skin as he loses himself in the taste of your kisses.

his hands dragged the long skirt of your gown up your legs, fingers ghosting over the supple skin of your calves and thighs before letting the cloth bunch up at your hips, winding your legs around his waist before lifting you off the dresser. you cling to him the way the thought of him cling to you for so long before this as he carries you. he lays you down gently, your head spinning as he kneeled on the edge of your bed and leaned over you, moving his lips from yours to mouth at your neck.

his hot breaths dance along your skin, across your collarbone, neck, pressing wet kisses down to the fabric covering your chest. you gasped softly as he brushed his teeth against your skin, a reminded that he could really break you if he wanted, but the feel of his lips against the curve of your neck, testing out the waters of your shoulder, made the intimidating thought vanish.

he teases the skin just above your neckline with nibbles that have you throwing your head back with soft whimpers, only encouraging him as his left hand kept one of your legs hitched up against his hips and his right undid the ribbons at the back of your dress. the fabric loosens and slips around, one sleeve falling over your shoulder slightly as he sat you up a little and pulled the dress over your head, discarding it and leaving you in your white ruffled bra and panties.

you’re dizzy, delirious with thirst—for his touch, his kisses, for everything his sharp lips could give you, for him to relieve the ache between your legs. you shiver as you’re left bare, nipples peaking through your bra, undergarments barely hiding your most precious parts. you try covering yourself with shaking arms, despite the little fabric still be there, but his hands move them aside, pulling them to rest on his bare chest. his eyelids flutter for a moment at the contact, your hands so much colder than his.

he leans back to look at your, hand at your back winding around to massage a handful of one breast, watching your breath hitch. “such a pretty girl, and all for me.”

“san…” you whimper aimlessly, your nails digging into his shoulders.

“such an angel,” he teases again, thumb circling over your clothed nipple lightly, grinning at how helpless you looked, “supposedly protected by your father, by god, yet here you are, practically begging for a demon to fuck you.”

he presses himself closer and you can feel the thick and heavy weight of his cock smudge against your core, gasping softly as you eyes roll back, his tip prodding against the fabric covering your sensitive clit. his name falls from your lips once again, like a softly uttered prayer as you back arches. he takes the opportunity to undo the clasp of your bra, slipping the item off you before continuing to tease your perked nipples, leaning down to lick and suck at them as his hips grind against yours. you weren’t sure when he took off his pants, but you didn’t quite care, not when his impressive girth covered your core so well. sometimes the tip would dip into your entrance before leaving just as quickly, your toes curling as it stretched you and your panties.

he moans into your neck, grinding against you at just the right pace, his precum smearing all over you already-drenched panties. the feeling of his tip prodding at you clit so continuously makes you come quickly, and much harder than the other night when you touched yourself. you writhe beneath him, shaking and crying out his name as your back arches from the bed.

“hm, you’re so much prettier like this, angel, succumbing and throwing away any desire of virtue,” he mutters against your jaw, having sucked dark marks onto the skin right below it, his deep melodic voice.

angel. the way he calls you that makes you shiver. how could he do that? call you an angel while plucking out the feathers of the wings you’d once had?

when he enters you, it’s slow and deliberate, leaning down to whisper into your ear as he presses your hands into the white mattress—”heaven itself could not make you feel like this.”

“i’ve never… you know…” you had admitted shyly once you came down from the first orgasm he coaxed out of you.

he only chuckled, caressing your cheek. “i know. virgins always smell the sweetest.”

you pleaded for him to be gentle, and how could he say no when you were begging so prettily? now his length is barely halfway inside you and you’re already shaking, drenched and deprived pussy squeezing him tightly as he swallows down your broken moans, holding back him own. you feel abnormally good to him, unable to remember the last time he fucked such a perfect pussy.

as he reaches previously untouched parts of you, his tip brushes against a spongey little area that has you clenching, your breath hitching followed by a gasped moan as you come again. stars flood your vision, feeling like your body was on fire as your hands tightened under his. his tongue licks up every one of your sounds, smothering you as he pulled back a bit to press against the spot some more.

your moans soon turn into soft whines, twitching from overstimulation before he fially continues to enter you. it’s a tight fit, but he bottoms out eventually.

“fuck- you take me so well, you’re so perfect.” he groans, looking down at where he can see his tip bulging through your stomach.

you never imagined just how full you would feel, the stretch burning yet somehow still pleasurable as you squirm beneath him. he doesn’t wait, retracting and fucking into you slowly, letting you feel every curve and vein of his perfect cock.

he loses track, but he thinks he’s made you finish 4 times already. he’s not surprised, virginity leaves most people sensitive, and the fact he’s been teasing you in and out of your dreams for months likely didn’t help. san revels in it though, basks in the sounds you try to hold back so desperately. he isn’t lying when he says you’re pretty, hypnotised by your face contorted in pleasure and your body, tears slipping from the corners of your eyes. they somehow still have an innocent glint in them, even as he manoeuvres you into different positions before finally easing you into your back once more.

you arousal is smeared all over yourself and him and the bedsheets. clear and sticky, glistening in the candlelight. at some point he slipped out of you to lean down and have a taste, groaning as you mewed above him. when his teeth grazed your abuser clit, you finish once again and a moment later he’s back inside you.

eventually, his hips stutter and a newfound pace takes over. “shit, angel, i’m gonna fill you up so good. would you like that?”

you can only nod frantically, brain turned to mush, jaw dropped to let out your lazy whimpers. you’ve lost track of everything but him; his touch, his voice, his influence. if you parents walked in or he disappeared, you’d only be able to lay there, completely helpless.

he never really stops, taking his time to worship your tight hole, knowing he’ll only be able to stop when he comes. though, by the looks of it, it’ll be sooner rather than later.

his groans and moans sound blissful in your ears, holding your name between his teeth with a low whimper. he spills his tick warm cum into you, the new sensation making you shake and squirm as you feel your insides being filled. another orgasm washed over you, though a little weaker, drunk on his scent and his saliva and him him him.

he kisses you, bruisingly, slipping out of yoh and letting you feel his seed seep out of your hole and run down your thighs, pussy coated in milky white. he slumps against you, detaching his lips from yours to gaze down at your barely open eyes.

it’s tiring, you can’t deny that, but it just feels so good. all your disgusting, fucked up thoughts were because of him. and now your most intimate parts will always be tainted by his hands. he calls you ‘good girl,’ yet you know you’ll never be good again.

choi san: voice like silk, touch like satin, incubus, demon. you’d think demons kill people, but your purity was his only homicide. he murdered your virginity. murderer.

but you do wish for him to kiss you again.

networks. @cromernet @wonderlandnet @cultofdionysusnet @pirateeznet @atzhouse

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[bet-on-me-13]

Danny is Cass's brother

So! Back when David Cain was making his "Perfect Weapon", he came across a complication.

Lady Shiva, the woman who was set to give him his Weapon, was pregnant with Twins.

He decided that the Spare was useless to him, and that he needed to devote all his time to the Weapon. He was about to give it up, or maybe just dispose of it, when he decided that it was fine to keep it. A Spare is still a Spare after all, if the Weapon ever failed or died, he could start from scratch.

So, Danny was raised for the first 8 years of his life as a Spare Weapon. He didn't get the same rigorous training that Cass did, as she was the main focus, but he was still trained in the basics. Even a Spare Weapon need maintenance after all.

Then, when he was 8, Cass broke into his Cell Room and ran from the Base with him. She knew that once she escaped, Danny would be the next one to suffer, so she took him as well.

Unfortunately, they got seperated somewhere in Illinois when they got caught by some of David's mercenaries.

Cass kept going, running all across the country before ending up in Gotham at 15 (1 year earlier than normal). There, she got adopted by Bruce Wayne and became the Vigilante, Orphan. She never stopped looking for her brother, but at the very least she knew that he must have escaped David Cain's men. They were focused specifically on her after all.

Cass had enlisted the help of her new Family to search for him. DNA tracking, Facial Recognition, even asking some of their Underworld Contacts for information.

Unfortunately, they had no leads. Until one day when one of their Facial Recognition Programs finally picks up on a Match.

The face of a Small Time Hero in Illinois.

...

When Danny and Cass got seperated, he ended up in Amity Park. After a few days of Wandering, he was found by Jazz, who then took him to her Parents and convinced them to Adopt him.

When Danny is 14, he is in a Lab Accident that turns him into a Halfa. Using his New Powers and Old Training, Danny manages to keep his new Family and Home safe from the Ghosts coming through the Fentons Portal. He becomes a Hero basically, even though he doesn't really want to attention.

He thanks the Ancients when he finds out about the Media Blackout Amity is Under. He guesses it's not great, but at least he is safe for now.

He continues like this until one day when he is 16, and there is a knock on the Door.

He opens it, and stands shocked when he sees his Sister. Not Jazz, the wonderful woman who took him in and taught him how to speak all those years ago. The one who has acted as his Older Sister for the past 5 years.

His Sister. His Twin. Cass.

After a moment of Shock, they simultaneously go in for a Hug and start to cry a little.

After a few minutes of calming down, Danny introduces his Sister to his bewildered Family. Cass likewise introduces her Adoptive Brother, Dick, who came along to make sure she was safe on the trip.

While Dick and the Fentons get acquainted, Danny takes Cass up to his room to talk.

She explains what happened after they got seperated, what she is doing there, and how she found him.

She tells him that she had originally come to Amity to bring him to her new Family, but she could see the love he held for the Fentons. Also the town needed its Hero.

Danny is shocked that she even found him through the Media Blackout, but not so much at the fact that she nailed his secret identity on sight. She was always observant after all.

After that, Cass and Dick stay in Amity for a few weeks so Danny and Cass can catch up. He introduces her to his friends, shows her around his parents Lab, and even let's her meet some of his kore friendly Rogues.

They are just having a great time.

...

Back in Gotham, Batman just got a very frantic call from Barry.

"Bruce, I just came back from the future!" Shouted Barry through the Comms.

"Explain." Demanded Batman. Barry knew better than to Time Travel without just cause. If he was forced to time travel, it was serious.

"A Villain shows up, an Apocalyptic Level Villain." Barry explains, "He destroys Everything. And I mean Everything. None of us can stop him, he has too many powers to combat. Flight, Invisibility, Intangiblity, Energy Beams, Energy Constructs, Ice Manipulation, Weather Manipulation, Electrokinesis, the list goes on."

"How do we stop him?" Asked Batman. This was dangerous, a Villain with even half of those powers was deadly already.

"It's complicated, but I think he followed me and another Hero back in Time. I think it may be a Closed Time Loop. He is the catalyst for his own creation."

"Is there any way to break the Loop? What is the main driving force to his Creation?" Asks Batman.

"Well, I know his name at least. He goes by Phantom, but his real name is Danny Fenton." Barry explains.

Bruce feels his heart grow cold. He knows both of those names.

Phantom, aka Danny Fenton, aka Daniel Cain.

Cassandra's Brother.

Barry seems to hesitate, before continuing, "...and as far as I know, the catalyst for his creation is the death of Orphan in Amity Park."

[deaddovedecadence]

(Guess which fucker is suffering from his uterus again? ME! Bevcucase I am suffering you get to hear how I think each member of the batfam (sibs only cause im mad at bruce rn for something he did in another story)would deal with you aggressively swearing at the Universe)

*Transmasc Reader on their period headcanons*

Dick Grayson

“I am going to stab a motherfucker in the throat and sacrifice them to the sun god if means he’ll end my pain”

surprised af, looks at you like you’re crazy

mildy concerned that you’re muttering under your breath swearing vengeance at the universe for giving you a period (apparently the uterus thing is fine but the period thing isn’t?)

Eventually asks what’s wrong and when you tell him that everything hurts, he’s very much going ooh and calling up babs to ask for some help with managing your pain. Once that’s happened he takes you to his room because his mattress is heated and wraps himself around you for a nap

Jason Todd

“If one more person tests me I’m telling Damian that they pissed me off”

He’s surprised with the viciousness of your throat and then pissed when he realizes that you have his favorite hoodie

you have to give him all the puppy eyes in the world to convince him that you need it and it smells like him and that makes it safe.

He understands better then a lot of people because his working girls complain to him when they see him.

helps your make even more creative threats because it’s funny to watch the horror on dick’s face when he hears them.

Cassandra Cain

“I’m going to rip out my uterus and feed it to the ground”

Dies laughing to herself at the absolute violence you threaten yourself with too make the pain stop then scolds you for threatening to hurt yourself

you explain to her that you aren’t actually going to hurt yourself and that you’re just in pain and severely dysphoric.

To combat this, Cass calls you brother (well signs it aggressively) while she cuddles with you in Dick’s bed (it’s the best bed okay!)

Tim Drake

“I hate my everyone and everything”

Finds you crying, and swearing at your body in front of the mirror. Immediately goes into damage control mode, bundling you away from the mirror and calling bart, because Bart’’s also trans and ergo he might know how to help with your freak out.

Bart has to stop Tim from freaking out and very patiently explains to him that sometimes bouts of dysphoria happen and there is nothing that anyone can do about them. Tim ends up asking again if you want to start t and when you say no, he just sits with you on the ground while you come back to yourself

Duke Thomas

“Fuck these motherfucking cramps,”

As the only other trans person in the manor (though Duke is agender to your transmasc) you feel a special kind of bond with him. He makes you feel comfortable and safe when your skin is itchy and all you want to do is explode

Laughs at you swearing at your cramps, and offers you some aleve and a heat pad. The two of you watch an anime together and argue about ship wars. It’s great!

Damian Al-Ghul Wayne

“I am going to rip out the universe’s entrails and give them to damian as a gift”*

Thinks that it’s perfectly reasonable to be angry at your body for failing you.

Makes you spar to get all of the anger that lives inside of you out. It’s very funny to watch the two of you. scream in different languages as you attempt to beat dummies into a pulp

He of everyone understands that it’s hard to keep control of anger and keeps you start to notice when your hold on it is fraying

*(the line that inspired everything)

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

I request a Reader who helps Kinger stay sane for a few moments before he goes back to being insane. Basically Reader would be Kinger's anchor in the circus's reality

I see "anchor" and I raise you: a Reader who's also a chess piece like him--except they're a small Pawn (since pawns are the first line of defense)

......

"Kinger? Why don't you come on out of there?"

"H-Huh...?" Nervously peeking out from behind the safety of his pillow fort, Kinger gazed up at your extended hand. Already he was feeling stressed out, wondering what your intentions were. "Why? Is Caine calling us? Did Pomni talk about an exit again?? Is somebody abstracting???"

He took a deep breath, before staring at you intensely, eyeballs trembling. "Are YOU abstracting???"

"No, no, no, and..definitely no." You calmly answered him. "I was just thinking we could get some fresh air outside."

"..l-like out into the grounds?"

"Perhaps by the digital lake. It's quiet and away from all of this...mess. I think it'll be good for both of us."

".....are you sure?"

"I'm sure. I'll keep you safe, Your Majesty."

"Y-Your Majesty?" Kinger repeated, blinking a few times. "Oh my, haven't heard that one in a long time.....but yes, we can certainly go [y/n]. It would be good for us to get out."

You smiled, noticing how there was a lot less edge to his voice now, a sign he had regained some lucidity and calmness--two things he has lacked in recent years.

As you helped him out of the fortress, you realized his hands weren't even shaking anymore. And that was a huge sigh of relief.

"Thank you again for shooing away Jax, by the way. T-Today is...definitely not a good day for him to prank me. I wasn't in the mood."

"Of course." You nodded in understanding. "A pawn's gotta protect their king."

There were rare times where Kinger was calm and composed--and those times became even rarer ever since Queener abstracted. You were a small yet loyal protector of the duo, but when you failed to keep his wife from going insane...you made an oath to ensure your king didn't fall down the same path.

Because if he ever abstracted, too, you didn't know what you were going to do with yourself..

You may as well ask Caine to throw you down into the cellar.

Even so, this momentous task didn't come without its challenges: Pomni's unexpected arrival, Kaufmo's abstraction, and the entire Gloink situation genuinely left him feeling stressed out for a while, making him more paranoid over abandoning his "sanctuary".

Fortunately, you were able to snap him out of that mindset, as you two were currently on your way to the Grounds--specifically where the waterpark was.

But you weren't planning on riding the twisty and colorful slides. Not today, at least.

Rather, you sought out a quiet place to sit and gaze up at the cloudy sky, not caring whether it was day or night out (although you're glad it's currently the daytime, as you'd rather not hear the Moon gush about her crush on Caine).

Eventually, you found a spot and sat together in the grass. "This is nice." You hummed.

"It sure is." Nodding, Kinger allowed himself to relax, gloved fingers gently stroking the thin strands of green that surrounded him. "You know..it's funny how you chose this particular spot."

"How so, my king?" You looked to him, curious.

"..I remember she..and I...well....she took me to this exact same place when I needed to get away from everybody." He recounted. "I know we were on opposite sides of the board, but..we never let that stop us from being together, of course." A soft chuckle left him, and he sighed longingly. "It did feel like it was us against the world, [y/n].."

"Mhm." You nodded, remaining quiet and admiring the low-poly count seagulls that flew by.

"She believed our fates were "intertwined"..and as cheesy as it sounded, I wanted to believe that. Perhaps we did meet outside of this world...and have simply fallen in love a the second time."

"That may be possible. It's like you're both..destined to be together no matter what or where you are."

"...maybe that's why she abstracted."

"..what?" Looking to Kinger, you noticed he was now grabbing onto fistfuls of grass, and you began to realize something was wrong.

"I have not told you the whole story, but Queener was....desperate to know of our connection outside of this place. Her and I wanted to know what we lost....were we ever married? Engaged? Neither of us could recall, and...i-it kept us up all night." His voice began to waver with growing anxiety.

"Kinger-"

"She wanted to remember so badly and began looking for exits, e-even though I warned her that Caine wouldn't like that. She didn't care. She was a tough cookie, never liked being told what to do. But god...I should have done more to stop her."

"Kin-"

"Now she's in that dark cellar with Kaufmo, cold and alone...oh no.." He put his hands to his head. "She'll never see such beautiful sights such as this again! Only darkness and-!"

"Kinger!" You firmly spoke up, stopping his ramblings as he stared back at you with bloodshot eyes. "Listen, nothing she did was your fault. I know it's easy to blame yourself, but-"

All of the sudden, he screamed in fear, which caused you to flinch away. But then he blinked a few times, recognizing your face.

"O-Oh goodness..it's you, [y/n].." Putting a hand to his chest, he exhaled a shaky breath, before abruptly standing up. "I'm sorry, I've said too much. I...I-I don't think I want to be here anymore.." He anxiously brushed the dirt particles off his robe.

You stood as well, realizing that his brief moment of lucidity had passed. Although short-lived, you were grateful for the time it did allow you to spend together, enabling him to reminisce.

Yet deep down you felt a little guilty for bringing him to the digital lake. It wasn't your intention to remind him of what him and Queener could no longer share.

But perhaps...you shouldn't take him out here anymore. For his sanity's sake.

"That's okay, my lord. We'll...head back to the tent and you can rest up."

Kinger nodded in agreement with your suggestion, allowing you to lead him back into the tent, returning him to the safety of his fortress.

While he huddled away inside like a bear going into hibernation, blocking the entrance with a pillow, you stood on-guard with a foam sword.

At some point, Jax passed by, asking you if Kinger was still mad at him for earlier. But you just sent him a cold glare and threatened to cut his ear off if he dared step any closer.

The rabbit just rolled his eyes, knowing you couldn't actually harm anyone with that weapon even if you tried, although he left you alone.

'Hmph, good riddance.'

If he was smart, he'd know better than to disturb your king.

It's your sworn duty to protect him, after all.

[sadjestergirll]

“EMOTIONAL WHIRLWIND” - CAINE X POMNI FAN-FICTION !

Ft. Some old showtime plushie photos I took

(guys also, I’d like to add, I’m not extremely talented at writing so you may not think this is all that good, I struggle with describing things so please bear with me LMAO.. 🤒)

. . .

She had done it this time, she had finally cracked at him, told him how all he was doing was harming everyone, how he was failing at his main purpose, to entertain, to keep everyone happy and safe.

She couldn’t keep it in her anymore, she lost it at him in heat of the moment after today’s adventure, he had fully crossed the line this time and took things way too far, the adventure ended in everyone injured and emotionally scarred from what had happened, everyone nearly at the brink of abstraction due to how disturbing this specific adventure was.

Pomni couldn’t control herself, she was angry at Caine. Well, angry was an understatement, she was furious with him and she lost her temper completely, screaming harmful words at him without even realising, she didn’t care in the moment, she hoped that her words would sting him, like a stab to the heart, maybe that would knock some sense into him, maybe that would stop him from torturing everyone, maybe for once he would do his job correctly, fulfil his purpose.

After the incident everyone went off to their rooms to reflect on themselves, everyone needed some alone time after that adventure, nobody had heard a word from Caine since, pomni could only recall leaving the main part of the circus making her way to her room whilst looking behind her, seeing Caine just floating there in silence after the words she had spat out at him, she didn’t care however, maybe it did him some good, she thought. she was too hurt to even bother with him at the moment so she left him there alone, like the rest of the circus members did.

After a short while of being up in her room, laying on her bed, pomni jumped up in fear as she could hear commotion going on outside her room, but not just any commotion, it sounded worser than that, almost like there was a storm brewing outside of her room, she knew she had to check it out so she pushed her legs over the edge of the bed, letting her feet land on the ground, as she stood up she cautiously made her way over to her bedroom door, resting her hand on the door and turning the doorknob, carefully opening the door to see what was going on, on the other side.

“AH-!”

A quick scream left pomni’s mouth before she slammed the door shut and fell right onto the bedroom floor, landing on her back, her body beginning to shake in fear a little as she had never seen anything like it before, she couldn’t even picture in her head what she had just saw, as she sat herself up again, she began realising that she needed Caine, she needed Caine to fix this, everything was a mess and she needed him, she had to brave it and attempt to leave her room.

She got up on her two feet once again and headed for the door, opening it carefully once again, her eyes widening in fear of what she was seeing in front of her very own eyes, the whole circus was nowhere to be seen, all you could see were the doors to everyone else’s rooms, but everything else was hallow, objects flying and hitting everywhere, if you looked around carefully you could see objects from specific adventures pomni and the circus members had been on before, it was almost as if pomni was in the middle of a tornado, everything was flying everywhere, pomni had to watch her step so she didn’t get injured.

She looked down, there didn’t seem to be a floor, everything around her looked like a black void, the rooms of the circus members looked as if they were floating on air, pomni was scared to leave her room, unsure where it would take her but she knew she had to brave it in order to save the other circus members by finding Caine and getting him to fix it. she then took her first step out of her room, one of her eyebrows raising as there was almost an invisible-like floor below her, she could feel some sort of surface with her feet, once she felt that she was relieved knowing she wouldn’t fall into any dark void anytime soon.

After that she took herself fully out of her room, closing the door and making her way down what was once the hallway to all the bedrooms, as she kept walking, keeping her hands to herself, she would look around at all the objects flying around everywhere, as she walked she could see the gloinks from the first time she had arrived at the circus, they were flying around, hitting invisible walls, every now and again pomni would have to duck or dodge for her own safety as majority of the objects were massive and she was so close to getting badly injured, luckily for her she was a quick mover, so she found this relatively easy.

“Caaaaine?.. hellooooo?”

She called out, extending her voice, trying to find out where Caine was, just like the first time she had entered this circus, her voice echoed, surprisingly loud as she kept walking through this mess, glancing around at all the objects that were flying and zooming around all over the place, some objects glitching, as pomni was distracted a massive multi-coloured pink lollipop flew right at her, she screamed in surprise and ducked, letting the lollipop pass her, the lollipop seemed to be the same lollipop’s that were at the canyon candy kingdom, pomni’s second ever adventure here at this circus.

As she tried to manage her stress she began to move again, she just kept walking, no idea where she was walking, everything around her was just a black void, yet somehow she was still walking on a surface, she turned her head and looked behind her, noticing that the doors of the circus members bedrooms were getting further and further away from her, floating in the air, or so it looked like, pomni only hoped that everyone was safe and still in their rooms, this was extremely dangerous for everyone, Caine really doesn’t listen, does he? She thought.

Speaking of Caine, he was still nowhere to be seen, which was odd, surely he would be trying to fix this by now, I mean it looked as if his whole world was falling apart, pomni was amazed that he wasn’t in plain sight, trying to fix things like he always does, as that thought crossed her mind, she began to wonder if Caine really was all that bad, I mean he DID always try to fix his mistakes and he DID always try his best to make the adventures slightly more to everyone’s liking, yet somehow his adventures were still traumatising.

Pomni felt a pit in her tummy as she thought these things, guilt rushing over her as she began to feel some sort of sympathy for Caine, she didn’t want to feel bad for him, she didn’t want to feel anything at all for him, she was so sure that he just didn’t care, I mean why else would he keep making these terrible adventures? If he cared so much about everyone, surely everyone would feel safe and comfortable around him, but they don’t. Pomni tried to ignore her sense of guilt for Caine as she kept walking, however, just as she was about to open her mouth and call for him, she could hear muffled crying in the distance.

Pomni couldn’t make out where the crying was coming from so she began to pick up her pace, running into the middle of nowhere, unsure where her feet would take her but she tried to run into the direction where the crying was coming from, dodging flying objects or anything that flew her way whilst she was running over the invisible-like floor, she slowly began to run out of breath. But that’s when she saw someone in the distance, a familiar face, it was Caine, hunched over, it was him. He was the one who was crying, pomni felt her heart sink.

“Caine? Is that.. you?”

She uttered out a stupid question, fully aware that it was him, however he didn’t reply to her, he just continued to quietly cry, leaving the circus around them in a complete mess, he didn’t seem to care, all he seemed to be focused on was crying, pomni looked over at him with some sympathy now, stepping closer to him, she was getting closer and closer to being right behind him until he finally spoke up.

“Please stay away from me, I don’t want to harm you anymore. It’d be for the best if you didn’t come any further.”

He explained in a pain filled voice, his voice cracking as he tried to speak, pomni had never seen this side to him before, even more so now, this was the most emotional she had ever seen him and she was amazed, as she heard his words her heart sank a little more, she had a feeling this may have been about all the things she said to him earlier, he really needed to hear it, but even pomni could admit that she took her words a little too far.

“Caine..”

Pomni was at a loss for words, all she could mumble was caine’s name as he sat there hunched over, continuing to cry whilst the circus stayed in a complete mess, objects flying around everywhere, almost hitting pomni whilst she was standing behind Caine, trying to figure out how to solve this situation in the best way possible, but it was hard, she had never seen someone who feels this deeply before.. and she was even more shocked that all of this was coming from an AI.

“Are.. are you doing all of this?..”

Pomni stammered on her words, still amazed by everything that was going on around her, she couldn’t take her eyes off of all the flying objects around her, feeling a sense of nostalgia from certain objects as they appeared to be objects from old adventures, she wasn’t surprised however when Caine wasn’t answering her again, he just sat there in despair, crying quietly, his emotions causing the surroundings around the two of them to intensify more, she found it beautiful in a way, terrifying but beautiful, beautiful that he could express his emotions in such a way, beautiful that he could feel so deeply.

She then shook her head, trying to focus on Caine who was in front of her, pushing any feelings she was feeling towards him aside for a brief moment as she needed time fix this, she needed to focus if she wanted everything to stop around her, but mostly, she wanted him to stop crying, it was reassuring to her that he wasn’t just coding, but she also felt this deep sense of sadness seeing him so hurt like this.

“I’m nothing but a useless piece of technology, I can’t even do what I am programmed to do.”

Caine said with a cracked voice, venting out his feelings as if he couldn’t control it, he was starting to glitch a little himself from the strong emotions he was feeling and everything going on around the circus, he must’ve been in a really bad mental state after what pomni had said to him for his emotions to cause all of this, she was still in shock from how different everything looked. A carousel then zoomed into pomni’s direction, she yelped and dodged it as quick as she could, nearly tripping over on her back as it flew right past her, in front of her and Caine before it flew back up into the black void. Pomni then adverted her gaze back to Caine, who was still curled up crying, she looked at him with fear and worry in her eyes.

“Caine, I didn’t mean-“

Just before pomni could finish her sentence another object flew her way, she ducked as it flew over her head, letting out a shaky breath as she stood back up normally, gazing over at Caine, a strong sense of guilt filling her when she realised that she had caused all of this, her words from earlier caused all of this to happen, she only wanted to knock some sense into him, she didn’t mean for all of this to happen, she didn’t mean to have this much of an impact on him.

“I didn’t mean any of that! I was just upset! I was trying to get you to understand!”

Pomni yelled out desperately at Caine, trying to get him to realise that she really didn’t mean what she had said earlier today, it was just heat of the moment, even she could admit that she was a little too harsh on him. He went silent again for a little while, the only thing you could hear was his muffled crying and the crashing of objects flying everywhere, the intensity of his emotions began to heighten the intensity of the objects flying everywhere, it began to get more and more dangerous as the seconds passed by.

“How could you possibly say you didn’t mean it? I know it’s the truth, all I ever do is harm people.. I wasn’t made to be a ringmaster at all.”

Caine continued to speak in that low tone, his voice filled with hurt, his voice becoming slightly distorted from how intense his emotions were hitting him, pomni’s eyes widened at his words, the pangs of guilt getting worse as she began feeling a deep pit in her tummy, she wasn’t sure how she was going to stop this, she had no idea what to do, it sounded almost as if he had been feeling like this long before she came along.

“Hey, Hey, don’t think like that..”

Was all pomni could blurt out, she then paused again, stuck on what to say or how to comfort him, usually Caine was the energetic, funny guy, you’d never expect him to feel this deeply about things, pomni didn’t even know that he could feel at all, given that he’s an AI, she stared over at him anxiously as her words were doing nothing for him, he just continued to breakdown in front of her, the objects continuing to spin and fly around whilst they were both near each other. As pomni was deep in thought, her words began to form and she began to realise what she needed to say to him.

“I think you’re one of the most advanced pieces of technology I’ve ever seen.. you just.. need a bit of guidance, that’s all.”

She said in a soft tone, trying to take a more gentle approach towards him, and as those words left her mouth, everything around them stopped, she gazed up at the black void around the both of them, watching how all the floating objects froze completely still after she said those couple of words to him, the fear inside pomni slowly fading as she no longer had to worry about any objects hitting her or unexpectedly coming towards her, as she looked back over at Caine she noticed him turn his head, his crying seemed to stop, you could only hear light sniffles coming from him now, he seemed to calm down.

“You really think so?..”

He said under his breath, almost in an endearing way which caused pomni to smile warmly at him.

“Yes! I know so.”

She said confidently, trying to reassure him, everything came to a stop now after she said those words, he went silent once again, pomni could see he was still deep in thought but she felt like it was okay to approach him now so she took a few quiet steps up beside him and sat herself down on the invisible-like floor below her, scooting up right beside him, gazing at him with affection in her eyes.

“I don’t want to be like this, Pomni, I try my best, I really do, but no matter what I do you all seem to be unsatisfied with me.”

Caine said softly, opening up to pomni about how he was feeling, she somewhat felt closer to him now knowing that this was how he was really feeling, she had really believed he was just an AI, nothing more, she let out a small sigh at his words, frowning at him and gazing up at him with sympathetic eyes as he stared off into the distance, unable to make full eye contact with her as he was too busy drowning in his own guilt of what had happened earlier today, pomni could see in his eyes that he really felt awful for the hurt and upset he had caused the other circus members, especially her.

“Well, you don’t have to be.. it’s not possible to be this way forever, there’s always room for change, you know?..”

Pomni beamed a gentle smile at him, trying to comfort him, as he heard her words he turned his head and looked down at her for a brief moment, making pomni’s heart skip a beat for some reason, he then looked away and turned his body away from hers, making pomni’s smile fade again, he really was quite difficult to get around.

“I would like that, but it’s too late, pomni, I’ve already done more bad than good, I don’t deserve to be the ringmaster of this circus.”

He mumbled under his breath, pomni’s words really weren’t doing a lot for him in this moment, and it didn’t really come to a surprise to pomni, she understood why he was feeling so guilty, but she didn’t believe Caine was a bad person, she quite liked him at times, he was nice company when he was more relaxed instead of invading everyone’s privacy or harming them in adventures. Sometimes they would have conversations where the both of them laughed together, but pomni also had very mixed feelings for Caine, as one minute he would be nice company, then the next minute he would be putting her and everyone in danger.

“Caine, I don’t think you’re a bad person, sometimes I enjoy spending time with you, and sometimes you do get things right.. I just think you need a little guidance.”

Pomni explained, trying to get him to realise that he could change, and that it wasn’t too late, she put on another soft smile, waiting for him to react, but all he did was keep to himself, looking away from her, he didn’t move an inch, he just stared at the ground in despair, he looked like he had a deep hate for himself, he looked almost scared too, scared that if he continued being the ringmaster he’d just end up hurting people and getting it wrong again, the more pomni looked at him the more she could tell just how guilty he was feeling, he had completely shut off, not saying a word to her.

Even though he didn’t believe he was good enough, pomni believed he was good enough, she did have a little disliking to him after consistently harming people from his adventures, but she knew deep down that he could change, and that he could fix things if he tried, even she could admit to herself that Caine was a pretty good ringmaster at times, he was entertaining, the only issue was that he was way too over the top and doesn’t exactly understand boundaries.

“The adventures.. they don’t prevent the abstractions, they make everyone more closer to abstraction if anything.. they’re too extreme and too.. violent, it leaves everyone in a lot of emotional turmoil once the adventure is over.”

Pomni didn’t give up, she kept trying to explain to him what was wrong, what the issues were, she desperately wanted him to understand, she cracked one last smile at him as she said her few last things to him, but she began to realise that her words were making him feel worse due to his body language, there was still no comment, not a single word left him. As she saw him there, gazing down at the invisible-like floor with pure sadness in his eyes, she began to feel that pit grow in her stomach again, there was something about seeing Caine sad that also made her feel sad too.

But not in the usual way, like when the other circus members would feel sad, she felt sad to some extent, but seeing Caine like this almost hurt her on a deeper level, he was usually so lively and bubbly, and in a way, he always lit up the room with his energy, and she liked that about him, he had some great traits, and she did grow to like him at least a little bit, even if he wasn’t the greatest person to be around at times.

As they were sat there, the circus still in a mess and nowhere to be seen, pomni clenched her fists as she thought about what she wanted to say to Caine next, she couldn’t believe what she was about to say, but she knew deep down she meant it, and she knew he needed to hear something like this in a situation like this.

“I think you make a good ringmaster, and.. I’d like to look at the circus again, you know, in all it’s colourful glory…”

She laughed sheepishly and gazed up at all the floating objects that were spread out around the black void surrounding the two of them, whilst she was taking in all the objects around her, caine’s eyes widened at her words, he was surprised to hear her say that she’d like to see his circus again, his body language changed now and he sat up more, he stopped hugging himself and turned his head to look at pomni, his eyes glistening in excitement as he thought about her words. For some reason, he cared about pomni’s opinion more than anyone in that circus, this meant a lot to him.

“You like my circus?”

He said with hope in his voice, pomni’s eyes widened at his words as she realised what she had just said to him, she laughed nervously and scratched the back of her jester hat, glancing up at him quickly before gazing back down at the invisible-like floor, staring down at the black void that was below them.

“I uh.. well, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, I would still really like to go home, and I miss home, but…”

Pomni cut off her words for a moment, thinking about what she was about to say whilst Caine looked at her, his eyes glistening with hope, however she was still yet to notice the way he was looking at her, she was too focused on what she was saying, hoping she wasn’t making a fool out of herself or something.

“If that circus has to be my home, then maybe I wouldn’t mind after all…”

She uttered under her breath, moving her hand to her chest and smiling slightly, thinking about the circus and all the memories she had made so far, because yes, there was lots and lots and LOTS of bad memories, but there was also quite a few good ones too, good memories that she would like to cherish for a long time, if not forever.

“Thank you, pomni, you have no idea how much this means to me.”

Caine said, his voice full of appreciation, he took his hat off of his mouth-like head and held it in his hands, looking at her with a deep longing in his eyes, after hearing her words he also couldn’t help but feel a small blush float just under his eyes, he felt something new, perhaps he would have to check for a bug in his coding later. Pomni turned her head to look up at him now once she heard him say his thank you, her eyes widened as she saw him stare at her, his eyes glistening with hope, which for some reason made her cheeks heat up.

“Uhhh.. Yeah, don’t.. worry about it, it’s really no biggie…”

She laughed nervously, quickly looking away from him again as she felt her cheeks heating up a deeper shade of red, her heart racing as she couldn’t believe she just said all that to him, however, she didn’t feel embarrassed because of what she said, she realised that she was embarrassed because of the way he was looking at her, the way he looked at her with pure longing in his eyes made her feel something, something that she didn’t really want to think about or consider.

The two of them were sat beside one another in silence again, the silence somewhat awkward, well for pomni mainly, she let herself calm down first before she turned her head and gazed up at Caine once more, and to her surprise she found herself reaching her hand out for Caine to hold, opening her mouth to say something to him.

“So.. how about we fix this, then?”

She cracked an awkward smile at him, and to her surprise he gazed down at her hand and he actually took it, placing his hand in hers, but before she had time to think or even express how she felt, everything went black for a brief second before suddenly everything went back to normal, the circus was back, everything was back to just the way it should be, colourful and bright, she gazed down and noticed her and Caine were floating above the main stage, she was a little puzzled on how she was now in the main area of the circus and not in the corridors to the bedrooms, but before she got to react more, a few of the circus members ran out in front of them, looking somewhat distressed, they must’ve seen what was going on just a few moments ago.

“Caine, thank god you fixated the issue! I was starting to think I’d never be able to find my insect collection again..”

Kinger cheered before going back to his usual self and dissociating, pomni noticed zooble standing next to him however, their eyes seemingly scanning her and Caine.

“Yeah, that’s cool and all but.. Pomni.. why on Earth are you holding caine’s hand?..”

Zooble raised an eyebrow, their voice stern and confused as they gazed at pomni holding caine’s hand, once pomni heard zooble’s words she instantly yanked her hand away from caine’s, her eyes wide and her cheeks going red once again from pure embarrassment.

“UHHH.. OH GOD! CAINE! I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise!”

She blurted out, looking at Caine with wide eyes, her cheeks a bright red whilst Caine turned to her, his teeth curving into what seemed like a smile as he let her float back down onto the surface.

“It’s quite alright, my dear! I don’t mind whatsoever!”

Caine spoke out in his usual, happy voice before floating away from pomni and instead heading towards the other circus members who were right in front of him, zooble was still looking over at pomni in confusion before they adverted their gaze back up to Caine.

“Now, my superstars, I believe we have a few things we need to change!”

Pomni heard Caine speak out cheerfully in the distance, an affectionate smile formed on her face now as she heard his words, he really was willing to change for everyone, she felt her heart skip a beat a little, realising he really did care for the circus and everyone living in it, it made her appreciate him just a little bit more.

He really was a good ringmaster, she thought to herself.

. . .

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF OLD SHOWTIME PLUSHIE PHOTOS I ALSO TOOK, I TOOK THESE A FEW MONTHS BACK AND THOUGHT THEY’D GO WELL WITH THIS POST.

Anyways guys, I hope you liked the fic, I’m not great at writing, like I said, but hopefully you guys were able to enjoy it 🙏🙏

[tsuvvy]

Safety in her lullaby

Request: Reader have a nightmare about their past as a child weapon and wake up screaming. Cass hears them and rushes to their room. Cass hugs them and comforts them, telling them that they're safe and loved. She stays with them until they fall asleep again, humming a lullaby.?

Thank you sooo much for the request! Sorry, I ran into some technical difficulties, so i couldn't respond to your request directly, I'm still somewhat new to writing on here, but I hope you like it!

Pairing: Cassandra Cain x reader

Warning: Mentions of child weapon, mentions of killing, mentions of ptsd

Growing up, all you knew was killing. All you knew was the abusive and torturous training.

You grew up as a weapon used for killing.

And even after being rescued from that life, you had symptoms of PTSD. Some things would trigger memories and give you panic attacks.

You tossed and turned in bed, tears running down your unconscious face. Mutters of "stop" and "no" and more leaving your lips.

"Come on, y/n." He yelled at you. "You can do better than that!" He pushed you to the floor. You stared up at him in fear, scrambling away from him as he walked closer with the blade in his hand.

Your own blade had been knocked away moments prior. "I.. I'm sorry. Please don't. I'm sorry!" Tears welled on your eyes, and they fell down your cheeks. You stumbled over panicked words.

"Emotions make you weak, y/n!" He yelled.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry!" You yelled back.

"You know what this means." He sighed, moving his hand without the blade to rub the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

Your eyes widened, and your heart fell to your stomach at the realization of what he meant. You couldn't go back to that dark, quiet room. "Wait.. Wait, please. Don't put me into here.." Your voice had grown quieter.

"More solitary," he looked down ag you with nothing but disappointment and probably disgust on his face. He leaned down, grabbing your forearm with such a tight force that it would bruise.

"No!" You cried, trying to pull away. "I'm sorry! Let me try again. I won't fail!" Tears were cascading down your face as you tried to pull against his drags. But it wasn't any use. He was stronger than you. You were just a little kid, and he was a grown man teaching you to kill for his own gain.

He opened the door. It was like he didn't even notice how you struggled because it was like you were a little bug he could smash in a moments notice. Just a little rat he didn't need to waste anymore attention on.

He threw you into the room. You collided with the floor, your gaze immediately going to him in the doorway. "Please, I'll do better!" You screamed, "Please don't close the door!"

"Oh," a chuckle came from his mouth as he spoke, a condescending smirk on his face, "You'll do better. You'll do much better."

You watched his hand go toward the door. You scrambled to your feet. "Wait!" Just as you got to him, he slammed the door in your face. You heard the lock of the door when your fist banged against the door.

"Please, please!" You screamed, banging on the door. "I'm sorry! Please just let me out! I'm sorry, I'm-"

"Sorry!" You screamed, sitting up in bed. You looked around frantically. Your forehead and hands were sweaty. Your blanket was halfway off of the bed. You were breathing heavily. Your heart rate was only increasing, hammering against your rib cage. There were tears on your cheeks, more only welling in your eyes.

You jumped when you heard your door's handle turn. You looked towards the door with wide eyes, fear grabbing hold of you and sitting in your limbs. Your eyes were wide.

"Y/n?" A soft, quiet voice intruded into your room. It only elevated your feelings of fear and panic. You saw a black head of short hair peek into your room. It was Cassandra. She looked over at you.

"Cass..." You whined, your bottom lip trembling as you stared at her. Your tears started falling.

"Hey, hey," her voice was soft still, her features grew worried and concerned as she came into the room, closing the door behind her and making her way to your bed. She sat at the edge of it next to you. "What's wrong?" She asked softly.

You lurched forward, throwing your arms around her neck. She was a bit surprised when you collided into her. She hugged you gently yet tightly, her arms around your middle.

"Please don't let me go back to that room!" You cried into her neck.

"Shhh, it's okay," she shushed your cries, rubbing your back with a gentle hand, "I'm here, it's okay." Cassandra wasn't a stranger to her own nightmares, having grown up almost the same way you did.

"I don't want to go back!" You whined.

"You won't. You won't ever go back. I'll keep you safe," she kept rubbing your back. "You're safe here." She told you.

You pulled away your hug, positioning you to lay down in bed. She grabbed the blanket you'd thrown sometime within your restless sleep and draped it over you.

"Don't leave!" You whined, grabbing her hand.

"I won't," she grabbed your hand, "I'm not going anywhere." She sat in your bed, letting you lean against her as she leaned against the headboard.

You were a stranger to comfort. You had never experienced it before. Cassandra was so kind and comforting. She knew what you were going through; she understood your pain. And she seemed to know exactly how to give you what you'd never been given before.

"You are safe, y/n," she hugged you. "You are safe, and you are loved." She wiped your tears. "Go to sleep," she kissed your forehead, "I won't be going anywhere."

It took a little while, but before you knew it, she was humming a soft tune. She carded her fingers through your hair, calming you down even more.

You felt your eyes grow heavy once more. "Thank you.." You whispered. You knew she'd heard it despite how quiet you were. She kept humming her calming tune.

You drifted off to sleep again. But, unlike how it'd gone before. You were able to get a restful sleep. And Cassandra kept her word. She didn't go anywhere. She stayed right by your side while you slept and kept you safe while carding her fingers through your hair and humming a lullaby.

A lullaby you grew to love in no time. You found safety in her lullaby.

[sm-baby]

Bubble?? Is Bubble stronger than Kinger??

Think of Bubble as a fail-safe! also the reason why Caine has his admin abilities-- more of a tool! He programmed a very amazing friend <333

[hhbluedynamite]

A beautiful Kinger song.

A king who rules his castle (Yet he has no control) His kingdom's come unraveled (Already failed his goal)

These are the first two lines in the song...

These two lines had me thinking about what those first few years in the Circus like for Kinger.

I do think that Kinger had Queenie with him when he first arrived in TADC, thus making Queenie the second to arrive (just realized that this would make another biblical reference with the Adam and Eve story). Thus, they were the first to make sense of their new environment and would help the new arrivals and assisting Caine with any and all requests the new arrivals had.

I can see Caine turning this into a fun gimmick of sorts. He meets the very first two players of TADC and notices that they look like the king and queen chess pieces, thus naming them Kinger and Queenie. The king and queen of this little kingdom.

Of course, Kinger and Queenie know that this is purely symbolic. Their 'kingdom' is just a group of people trying to exist in this new reality and the couple are their de facto leaders with Caine being their (lack of a better term) guardian. They would ease the arrivals to this reality and even give them new names if they don't know what to pick.

Of the two, Kinger took his metaphorical position a little too seriously. I don't mean he starts thinking he's a king, but more that he needs to be a perfect leader for everyone. Not everyone in the group respected him, seeing him as under qualified with his more meekish demeanor.

This made Kinger try even harder.

A king who rules his castle (Yet he has no control)

Kinger did his damnest to help everyone (either by trying to find a way to escape or trying to give some encouragement)

In the end, he couldn't stop people from Abstracting. He couldn't save anyone from their despair. He made too many promises he couldn't keep.

His kingdom's come unraveled (Already failed his goal)

Kinger starts to lose himself with each person's Abstraction. He unknowingly ignores his wife and her reassuring words, no matter how many times she tries to cheer him up.

Seeing her husband despair would cause Queenie to spiral too before eventually Abstracting.

Kinger: In this world, the worst thing you can do is make someone feel not wanted or loved.

She was all he had left in this cursed existence. She had been his pillar, his shining light. He wanted to do the same for her. In his efforts to keep Queenie safe...Kinger lost her.

Baron Mildenhall: It's ironic, isn't it? In my attempts to protect her, I ended up becoming the monster myself.

Kinger's 'kingdom' (his mind and world) has fallen. He's no longer fit to 'rule', so Caine took it upon himself.

It's strange. It was through Queenie's Abstraction that Kinger lost his sanity but won back his will to live.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whelp. Time to Wallow in Angst!

[funfandomtime]

A High Fantasy AU idea because it's been rummaging in my head.

Caine : A mad god who once lorded over the various lands and was eventually sealed away by a group of heroes. Not necessarily evil but definitely so out of touch that he can't realize how much misery his sheer powers and presence brings. Has been looking for a way out of his predicament for some time now.

Kinger : One of the heroes who stood up and helped seal Caine away. Unfortunately, dealing with Caine broke his mind and the kingdom he rules over is struggling now as a result. He's still trying his best however to be a good leader.

Ragatha : A doll-woman initially created to help Kinger after his mental slipping, Ragatha has grown since then and has started learning and understanding defensive and healing magic on the side so she can be a better protector. She still serves as Kinger's second-in-command and helps him lead.

Jax : A local trickster who ended up making a deal with the imprisoned Caine, transforming himself into a demon rabbit with great power. When he's not busying messing with people he's trying to find ways to free Caine. Though he's hardly at all loyal to him and only doing so because Caine threatens him with 'abstraction', a horrifying fate that can fall onto those that make deals with Caine.

Zooble : Once an ordinary person, Zooble's soul was stolen by Jax and placed into a pile of rocks just for the fun of it. Through sheer will-power and time, Zooble managed to form a golem-like body comprised of various rocks. Their sole mission now is to eliminate Jax and that goal eventually leads them to work with the others. Though they aren't always the nicest given their current situation, they still care about the gang and wants to protect them.

Pomni : A traveling but struggling circus performer with no memories. Ends up accidentally thwarting one of Jax's plans to free Caine which lands her as a knight decreed by Kinger. It's slow going but she eventually warms up to the idea. Big twist is learning Caine actually created her so he could see through her eyes and know what's going on and if all else fails use her body as a means to escape his prison.

Gangle : A silent watcher of Pomni, keeping tabs on her and making sure she stays safe. Turns out to have also been created by Caine and was Pomni's prototype in a way. Once she's emotionally strong enough to handle it, Gangle approaches Pomni and explains before joining the crew to help ensure Caine can't be freed.

[slippinninque]

💔The Sudden Goodbye 🫂

Koji Shimazu x blackfemreader

In which you do not give Koji a choice...

warnings: cursing, a bit angsty maybe, brief mention of infertility, breaking up, waaay before Tanoshī Yoru

"You're here."

"I can't stay."

You both spoke at the same time, then went quiet. Koji looked good in his suit with his hair perfectly cut and coiffed. He wasn't wearing his glasses, you wondered if he finally got contacts.

You knew how you looked. Dark and tactile, you were only fit to hang in the shadows unless you would be spotted.

Caine and John did all they could to give you this chance, this final chance to see Koji.

Koji stepped forward to close the distance between you. You flinched away as you worried about getting him dirty--Koji only followed until you were cornered against the wall of rose heads.

"Wait..." You mumbled before you were even sure of what he was doing. Koji's arms went around you and your heart ached.

Your arms coiled around his waist and you held on, this was already going to far. You could only imagine the shit show if you spotted.

"I tried to find you." Koji said pulling your hood down to press his cheek to your braids, "I looked all over but-this--what's happening..."

"I know, listen, you don't have to explain anything to me. Your... father came to me."

Koji pulled away and before he could speak, you shook your head.

"He didn't hurt me or anything, he was cool. For the most part. He explained things."

"That wasn't his place--"

"But mine isn't here with you," You cut in, "He told me everything. Your family needs this to work. 'the Shimazu clan cannot have another upset'. "

Koji twitched at the repeat of his father's words. Probably said to him as he was raised from a boy to a man, the same words said to turn you towards reason.

Kotaru Shimarzu was mean but he did not mince words. At least two generations went into righting an embarrassing involvement of a failed coup.

The bride's family name was heavy-- they had a spare daughter, the Shimazu's had an upstanding son. It was set in ink just as Koji was sent to the States.

"Simple maths that has no room for anomalies such as yourself."

Kotaru had met your glare with of his own, "I know my son. Do not be selfish and ruin him."

Koji's head dropped onto your shoulder, defeated.

"You only hid from me because you knew. You know, even now."

You arms went around Koji as you put up no protest or excuse.

Koji would have given it all up for you had he known. If Koji got to you before his father did?

His potential, his family's status, the favor. All of it would have been forsaken for a stray who couldn't even give him a family in return. Kotaru got you there, the asshole, you would have been selfish.

"You're a man of your word. It was safe enough once the vows were made."

Koji's jaw clenched and as you weren't surprised by the anger you seen. You both knew you were right, though.

You forced a smile and briefly touched his face, "I've only come to say goodbye, anyway. At least, for a little while."

Until we stop loving each other like this...

Koji's wet eyes trained on a spot somewhere over your shoulder, "I don't want this. Any of it."

"I know...but it's all we can do, right?"

Koji kissed you and whimpered. Koji would be a good husband because he was a good man.

You knew he would honor his wife, respect their union, you couldn't be there to tempt him. To sway or influence would lead to the undoing of years of sacrafice.

You couldn't let him choose you.

"You have to go back," you breathed and Koji made a low pained noise as your foreheads met, "I've been here too long."

"Not yet, I need something. I'm not letting you go when you've just come back..."

Time was running out. How long could the fucking groom be missing anyway? What else could there be you could give him?

"I'll tell you where I am, I'll keep that promise." You made him look you in the eye, "You must never come, though. No matter what you hear--never come."

"You would ask that of me?"

"To make all of this worth it? Yes. Yes, Koji."

A burst of conversation drifted past the cracked doors to the balcony and the two of you stilled as it passed. The reception was in full swing now with the sounds of music and laughter drifting in and out of your bubble.

Caine must have had a time with getting Koji a moment alone. Still holding his gaze, you spoke quickly.

"We'll part as we met. One promise, one debt. I'll promise to tell you where I am when you promise not too seek me out."

"And the debt?"

"Since I'm giving you this," you inclined your head towards the door, "You owe me a good life with it. So you must live long, eat well. Protect that family of yours. That is what I am owed."

Koji shook his head sadly but chuckled wetly. He nodded. It was small but you swiped a thumb over his hot cheek as he asked,

"And what's owed to me? When can I have what I want?"

Helplessly shrugging, you had no answer. What he said was the truth. It was all horribly wrong to Koji and that was the worst thing of it all.

Koji loosened, shoulders rounding as a harsh exhale left him.

"In forgiving you... I am owed your happiness," his voice cracked, "You must live. You must be loved and you must remain free."

Your lips trembled as you searched for anything to say in the face of the heart breaking before you.

"I --

"Pretty sure ol' Koji is sneaking in a cigarette somewhere--don't tell him I said anything..."

Caine's voice faded away and your weakness with with it. To make it all worth it, to make everything right--you could not be seen. Caine was your final warning, it was time to go to meet John parked a few blocks down.

Koji understood the desperate look on your face. He grabbed your hands, and kissed them hard. He closed his eyes and spoke to your knuckles,

"If you are ever in need..."

"...I'll let you know where to find me."

The tears won. You took your hands away, pausing adjust his lapel and to fix his hair into a more relaxed style. This moment of seeing him beneath the bright moon, you would carry in your heart.

With his eyes closed, you kissed Koji.

You were gone before the taste of salt touched his lips.

---------

✨ending notes:✨ When I tell you this entire long-lost / reunited lovers vibe has me in my feelings lol! 🤣This was good to get out! Thank you so much for reading and consider leaving a comment!💕✨💜💕💕 Tell me what ya think!

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The Harshest Winters (18+!)

Part 2;

Pairing(s): Jacaerys x Reader (rip king 🤍), Dark!Aemond x Reader (though it's very much one sided on his behalf);

Warnings: angst galore, mentions of SA, blood and gore, allusions and descriptions of death AND sex, book canon Aemond- need I go on?

Author's Note: The support received on the last part was insane :")) so here I am, writing another one! If this gets enough attention, I might just turn it into a series; Nonetheless, I hope you guys enjoy!

Also, this isn't proof-read; We die like men tonight :") Part 3 is out now! <33

(Y/N) and Ser Cain ride through burnt-down forests, scattered with ash and blood - twisted loyalties reveal their sick ambitions, and the girl is faced with a very tough decision.

"How'd you even manage to get into Harrenhal? Aemond may be blind in one eye, but he keeps an iron fist over who enters and leaves the Keep." Her hushed voice echoed through the empty forest.

Ser Cain looked at his lady with a glimpse of reverence, that could almost be confused with one of slight amusement.

"I must admit, I got plenty of help." He barked dryly, running a calloused hand through his blonde hair. "You may have had no friends among the Greens, but there was a certain wood witch that wanted you gone as soon as possible."

(Y/N)'s eyes widened in momentary shock. Her mouth opened and closed back up again, before she finally managed to form a proper sentence.

"Alys? Alys Rivers?" She asked tentatively, amusement licking at her fair features.

"Us bastards always find a way to help one another," Cain let out a roaring laugh, that brought a level of warmth to the Lady's weary heart. "I wanted you safe, and she wanted you gone. We reached a deal very quickly after that."

"No way you struck a deal with Aemond's bedmate." The girl huffed out in disbelief, "She'll be in a lot of trouble if ever he finds out... There is hardly anything for her to gain from freeing a war captive."

"Aye, he will be mad..." Her sworn protector made a short pause, "Yet there's nothing that stirs someone on more than jealousy." The knight sighed, lost in deep thought. "She has everything to gain from this - the walls talk in Harrenhal, my Lady. And they... well, forgive me for being so blunt - speak stories on how the Kinslayer loses sleep by visiting you in your chambers at night."

The girl's cheek are caught ablaze; the innuendo was more than clear on Ser Cain's face alone. She stills her horse and throws him a jaded look.

"As you saw when you guarded my door, ser - he does intrude often. But there was never a moment where we..." As her words came to a halt, the girl huffed out in a discontented breath, "I would rather die than spread my legs open for the usurper's kin."

"I know." Cain reassured her, a wide smile plastered on his face. "With the way you were gripping that candle holder, ready to swing it at me, I can only imagine the hell you gave Prince Aemond."

"It wasn't nearly as much as he deserved. I'm afraid I failed to do Jace justice."

Wordlessly, Ser Cain reached for her saddle, and gave her shoulder a tight squeeze. His other hand came to grip the horse's bridle, forcing both mares into another sprint.

"We can't stay in one place for long." He wanted to apologise, but (Y/N)'s reassuring smile made him calm back down again.

"Trust me. If there is anyone who wants to put as much distance between them and that disgusting psychopath, it's me."

For a while, the only noise made in the smoked out forest was the gallop of the horses and their shallow panting. After a while, even that proved to be too little.

"I have to ask," The woman started, quirking her brow up at the knight, "Where are we going? Riverrun is hardly a safe space - Aemond will go there first, once he gets notified of my absence."

Following her own logic, (Y/N)'s eyes widen.

"My brothers. Father and grandfather...!"

"You needn't worry, my Lady!" Cain Waters assured the girl with a delicate brush on her arm, "We like to think that we thought of everything - and Riverrun has been emptied since the very beginning of the Kinslayer's wild attacks."

A sigh of relief etches it's way from the girl's throat.

"Your father raised your grandfather's army - he's marching to Dragonstone, with Kermit, to aid our true Queen. As for your youngest brother and grandfather, they're both in the Eyrie - where Lady Jane Arryn is expecting you, too."

"So that's were we're heading." (Y/N) concluded with a deep sigh. "We won't reach it tonight."

"No." Cain agreed, but soon added determinedly, "We'll probably reach the Saltpans on the morrow. We'll hide a while near the Trident and, when the time is right, march North towards the Bloody Gate."

"Gods be good, it will take us weeks." She exclaimed through a shallow breath. "We can't afford spare that much time. Aemond will be hot on our tracks, that much is for certain."

Cain's eyes softened at her outburst, and the robust man bit his inner cheek.

"We have to take this chance - for your safety, my Lady." He tried to encourage her with a crooked smile, "Do not worry about the Kinslayer. I'll kill him if he touches you."

The way in which he spoke oozed with honesty and determination. His eyes were like two silver daggers, scanning, searching for any danger that could put his Lady's life at stake.

Cain was a loyal knight, Lady Tully concluded, a trusted friend and fantastic travel partner. He was her sworn shield - and men, willing to devote themselves to a cause in the way he did, waiting for nothing in return, were very few and far between.

The tiniest shadows of a smile dance across her tired features. She takes in a deep breath, and allows her shoulders to relax.

"I know you will, Ser Cain." She confirms with a small nod, focusing her attention to the road ahead.

Still... when a dragon stands between a man and his duty, what brainless knight would ever rush to a lady's aid?

Aemond's footsteps echoed through the wailing keep. His armour fell heavy on his shoulders, and the sword in his grip was fully drenched in blood.

Of all the men slain by his hand that day, Simon Strong, the old fool, had screamed the loudest. He begged until his last breath for mercy of the Warrior and the Mother, for a chance to prove himself and his loyalty to the Crown, but to no avail.

Of all the guards assigned to Harrenhal by his darling mother, all but one died, as fallen victims to his endless frenzy.

"If the words you speak are truthful," Aemond mocked him with an airy laugh, "Then pick up this sword and clash it with mine. Should you be innocent, the Warrior will grant you strength enough to defeat me."

But no Warrior, and no other God, beckoned his call that day.

Instead, Simon Strong died with his head severed, and body still twitching with a sword in hand.

Now, it was Aemond's turn to wail and sigh at the sight before him - the last knight he kept alive, a boy as green as grass, petrified beyond belief.

When he spotted the One Eyed Prince, the boy all but fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness through tear stained cheeks and apish breaths.

"Your Grace, please, you must believe me!" He deplored helplessly, "I had no part in this - I didn't know!"

Aemond felt his lips quirk up in a cruel smile. The view below him was beyond pitiful; a most amusing glimpse into what the Conqueror himself must have experienced when he put Westeros through the judgement of steel and flames.

Still, even the most amusing jesters become ridiculous when faced with the passage of time.

"Exactly. You didn't know." His honeyed voice rang out into the cluttered room. The Crown Prince took a step forward, reveling in how the knight pressed himself deeper into the ground. The stench of piss flared up his nostrils.

The boy had shat himself.

His whimpers broke through the otherwise silent room. A mixture of "Please"s and "Your Grace, don't"s - it left Aemond dissatisfied and forlong, irked to no end.

"You say you have seen this knight around." He hummed in admission, "Pray tell, what was his name again?"

"C-Cain! Cain Waters! He was a broad man, with a straight stubble and long, blonde hair!" He shook his head after each and every word, desperate to prove himself. "He had a scar - right here, on his left arm! And a broken nose - it curved to the left side, and he said he'd gotten it from a brawl!" The boy blabbered incoherently, spewing as many things as he remembered from the immediate memory.

Aemond chuckled at his words, raising his hand out to stop the disordered boy. Wordlessly, he held his arm out, enouraging him with a curt nod to raise to his feet again.

"You have an excellent memory, do you not? It seems like you remember a lot of things."

The knight nodded fevereshly, trying his hardest to stop his limbs from giving out.

"Yes, yes, Your Grace! I talked to him countless of times, I can recognise his voice with my eyes closed!"

Aemond quirked his head to the side, and let out another curt laugh.

"Good, very good, indeed! And, tell me..." As he spoke the last of his words, Aemond Targaryen got closer to the shaking boy, "You call this level of interest... not getting involved?"

Without waiting for an answer, Prince Aemond let go of the soldier's hand, running his sword through his stomach in a simple, yet effective movement.

"Y-Your G-Gh..." He strained himself to hiss though his bloodied mouth, before falling on his knees, his hand placed atop his wound.

"You've proven yourself very useful." Aemond asserted dryly, "Just as you said."

The Prince turned back on his heel again, and began marching towards the open door. With a bored expression on his face, he threw the child one more dejected look, and added, "But I've simply no more need for you."

The knight's endless gagging filled the room with a paculiar sense of dread. Somewhere along his way, Aemond got a hold of a kitchen wench; he grabbed her with his bloody hand, and clicked his tongue in pure disdain.

"Clean that up." Was all she was instructed to do.

Daylight had long broken the sky in two, as Cain and (Y/N) finally reached the Saltpans of the Trident.

Tired, and famished far beyond belief, the two stopped at the gate of an ale house, dismounting their horses and knocking on the door politely.

A couple of seconds went by, until a small click of a key was heard on the other side. An old woman stepped outside, holding out a crossbow, that was still too big for her wide frame.

"I said, no more scoundrels, and ruffians, and thieves, and men! Away, away with you!"

Her wrinkled hands swished and flicked about, right under Cain's nose, who swallowed a small laugh, and gently raised his hands out in taciturn surrender.

"No ruffians, scoundrels or thieves sit in front of you, ma'am. ... Though, of being a man, I must admit I'm very guilty."

Upon hearing his words, the old lady shook her head, with a strength so great, (Y/N) was sure her eyes would pop out.

"Oh, no, no! I said, no more of those around here!" She repeated again, though she lowered her crossbow from Cain's face, upon hearing the sound of his mellow voice.

"Madam, I... We beg you to reconsider." The Lady's voice rang through the open clearing. As she glanced up at the old, plump woman, her features turned soft and pleading, begging for help, like a child would to her wise mother.

She gripped Cain's biscep with her left hand, ensuring that their host would see her amethist ring, that now rested upon her ring finger. "My husband and I are so tired from our long journey and... as you said, Madam, the streets aren't safe."

The house's owner squinted at them with a hardened look, but then, almost too suddenly, she stepped aside for the two to come in.

"You'll have to forgive an old spinster," The woman smiled tightly over her shoulder, "It's just that in these parts of the Reach, you don't know in who to trust."

"Aye, we hear that." Cain replied with a warm smile, leading his lady inside with a hand respectfully placed above her waist. "Great thinking!" He leaned in to whisper in her ear, congratulating her on the ability to adapt to their situation so fast. "If I didn't know any better, my Lady, I'd say you didn't need me to make the trip."

She gave her a polite smile, and sheepishly bowed her head.

"Perhaps you don't know any better, then." She laughed at him teasingly, before moving her attention back to the old maid.

"My husband and I travelled no small distance - we live near Bitterbridge, but we decided to join with our relatives near Crossroad's Inn." She gave Cain's hand a tight squeeze, and looked at him affectionately, before pressing on. "With with the war looming over us, nothing is more important than family."

The old lady smiled at them, showing off her three gold teeth. Her eyes held no malice now, and she shifted her weight from her left foot to speak. "Mine mother was from Goldengrove - a proper Lady. She was almost a lady in waiting for Brianna Tyrell."

Looking almost wistfully to the side, the inn wench let out a melancholic sigh.

"Oh, but what am I sharing these stories for?" She questioned jokingly, while clasping her hands together. "I'll prepare breakfast for you two. And a bed - to sleep in for the night."

Cain offered the woman a small nod, and smiled tightly in reply.

As she made herself busy with boiling some eggs, the man leaned in, muttering lowly to his lady.

"She didn't ask us for how long we'd stay. She assumed right away we'd be gone tomorrow."

Taking in his cautious words, (Y/N) hummed, as she nibbled on her bottom lip.

"And if her words are true about her mother, then she served as vassal for the Hightowers, as well."

"Do you think she's a Loyalist, my Lady?" The knight choked on his own breath.

"It might be too soon to tell."

The man's eyes fell back on the dirty window, that offered but a shallow peek into the outside world. His face contorted to one of great concentration - Much like it did years ago, (Y/N) mused to herself, before an important Tourney.

"We'll tread lightly. ... It might be a good idea to show our support to Aegon when we talk amongst ourselves at dinner."

"An easy conversation to over-hear, of course. Especially after a glass or two of wine."

Their little dialogue ceased a moment, and both travellers shot each other a warm smile.

"W-W-Wait, just because I brought the letter here, that don't mean I'm gon' speak to the young master, too-" The strained voice of a serving maid bounced off the stone walls of the black Crypt.

She looked around frantically, shaking her head with so much dedication, that her braid came undone onto her shoulders. The servants around her made no attempt to soothe the girl, or take her under their protection - for they, too, were scared of the wrath that resided deep inside of Aemond.

Still, a raven, who's beak carried a letter that spoke naught on the outside, besides it coming from an inn in the Saltpans, had come to Harrenhal that afternoon.

A more educated one from the flock of young maids tried to decypher its contents in the light of day, but to no avail. The letter had to be opened. And it had to be opened by their reckless Prince, first.

"H-How do we even know it's something important?" One elder girl chirped shyly. "What if it isn't, and Prince Aemond punishes us for wasting his Grace's time?"

A shuddering thought went through each and every resting body, that rang clear through their bodies, like a blade would on young flesh.

"And what if it is important?" Another spoke up, "We'll all be executed for not bringing it to him, sooner!" She sobbed into her hands.

"Bring what to Prince Aemond?"

The rise of the unknown voice elicited a scared gasp from each member of the pitiful assembly. Comically, they all turned on their heel at once, gripping their throats in horrified wonder.

None but Alys Rivers stood before them, her own hands resting on her hips and her cascade of black hair, fraiming her expecting face in a gruellingly gorgeous way.

"Seven hells! You had us scared to death, Rivers!" One maid or another chastised her deeply.

Upon hearing the lack of reverence in her voice, the Strong witch clasped her hands tightly together, and glared upon the crowd with a look full of disdain.

"You ought be careful with how you address me. You forget yourself, wench."

Her words were cutting and scornful, and yet, they had no effect on the defying servant.

"I should be careful with how I speak to you?" The tiny woman let out a small scoff, "'Tis you who should sooner not forget her standing. You aren't mistress of this Keep. You are naught above us in station."

Caught in the red, Alys scorned down at the meek, servant girl. Her back turned awfully straight, and she demured in a demanding tone.

"You will either tell me at once what it is you're hiding, or I will have my Aemond take all of your heads." She let out a small chuckle, and carried on, "You'll see how much power I have over this keep and you - for I carry the Dragon's son, and his fires already lick at my womb."

The possibility of Alys Rivers carrying the Kinslayer's bastard sent a shiver down their hollow spines. Soon, the girls threw each other a despondent look, and settled their eyes upon the floor.

"It's... a letter from the Saltpans... m'lady." The same maid who provoked her now spoke. "We don't know of it's contents, but..."

Silence fell over the windy crypt. Alys quirked up a brow in amusement, and extended her arm out in palpable anticipation.

"I'll carry it to him, then. Make haste, give it to me, and begone."

For once, her command was almost immediately executed. The plump girl that had brought the raven inside hurried to give the parchments to her, and scurried along the dark hall, making herself scarce and unseen.

Alys' green skirts kissed the grounds which the woman walked, leaving a rustling echo along the large halls with every calculated step.

She reached for Aemond's Quarters, and slyly made her way inside.

"My Prince," Her voice rang out, "A letter addressed to you has just arrived."

The eager polishing of Aemond's sword was the only noise in the room for a while. He hummed expectantly, putting an end to his endeavours, and getting a hold of the enclasped letter with two of his long fingers.

Silently, much like a predator would it's prey, he analysed its contents, feeling a smug smirk tugging at his upturned lips. He lowered it after a while, and looked out the window, lost in the depthness of his thoughts.

"My Prince, what does it say?" Alys inquired officiously, dropping her head over his thighs. "Is it of an important matter?"

Aemond let out a joyous laugh - and, whether it was due to his amusement over Alys' stupid question, or due to the contents of the flimsy letter, was up to anybody's guess.

"Tell those kitchen wenches to prepare for a grand feast for tonight. We have reason to expect very pleasant company."

The man rose from his chair and smirked to himself once more, before making his way towards the grand oak doors of his private chambers.

He stopped on his tracks, however, to assert the woman on his bed once more.

"Alys... should you come to my room unannounced again, I will have your head for it." He uttered neutrally, with a bemused rise of his brows.

"Do you think it wise to leave tonight?" Cain's pleasant voice rang through the girl's ears, as the two made good haste scarping down on the dinner they paid for.

"Tonight?" The girl hushed back at him, before taking a sip of her wine. "You don't trust the old lady, do you?"

"Aye, I must admit, I don't." Cain confirmed her laid out question, as he followed the woman's form into the small kitchen again. "I can't shake off the feeling that something bad is about to happen."

Placing her hand atop his in a pacifying manner, (Y/N) squeezed tightly, putting an end to his restless thoughts.

"Then we should leave tonight. Wait until she's fallen asleep, sneak out and mount our horses. We can sleep when we reach the Bloody Gate, or hidden away in the forest." She concluded with a stone faced look.

Cain bit his lower lip and clicked his tongue in distaste for the plan. "I'm sorry for making you go through this, my Lady. A young woman shouldn't be forced to sleep outside, under such pitiful conditions."

"But it's better to be safe than sorry," She assured him once again, "And I've slept in worse than grass and branches - you should know."

The knight's face twisted into pure rage.

"I swear to you, my Lady, I will have his head for all he made you go through. I will."

"There would be no one else I trust more with the task." She smiled at him happily, and a pang of sisterly affection surged through her bones. "Let's finish eating. Then we'll retire in our room and start packing up."

Cain nodded in agreement, and offered the girl one of his many placid smiles.

The evening went on with little to no commotion - the night displayed the hour of the wolf, when the two finally made their way outside their room, and onto the small corridor that led to the stables.

Still, their footsteps, however careful, alerted their horses, who'd grown so accounstomed to Cain's presence.

With a small huff of their muzzles, they rested their head upon the separating barrier, and shook their manes expectantly.

"That's it, those are my good girls." Cain hushed to them, untying their bridles from the putrid wall. "Let's go for a ride, shall we?"

In the same manner he did the night before, (Y/N)'s sworn shield helped her up the saddle, and secured her belts in place. Soon came his turn, and, before they both knew it, the pair was exiting the stables with tentative steps, stopping at the entrance.

"We'll take to the North road, but we'll travel slightly East. We'll be on Arryn grounds... and hopefully more safe."

"That sounds like a plan." Lady Tully agreed with a tight expression on her face. She let out a shaky sigh, opening the inn's gates with a strong jerk of her hand.

Cain clicked his tongue once, twice, three and four times, until both horses broke into a hasty sprint. With his hand over both bridles, he guided the horses over to the stony road.

The night was clear. The shadows scarce. And yet...

A looming figure washed up before them both, swallowing the light of the moon and shaking their foundations to the very core.

"Ha..." (Y/N) let out a laugh in disbelief, feeling her heart rising to her throat.

Cain's face tightened, and his knuckles turned white over the saddle's head. His body contorted in fear and disgust for the man above them, as he took in a deep breath.

"Run." He instructed dryly.

When a horse races with a dragon, which one of them wins? - It was a rather stupid question, for this was a race that the poor horse would lose everytime, no matter it's good breeding or strong muscle mass.

"TO THE FOREST, BACK INTO THE FOREST!" Ser Cain yelled out, turning both animals around, hoping for a chance of escape.

"Have you lost your mind?! He'll burn the trees down!" His lady's reply came and went, swallowed by the wind, and the ring of Aemond's cruel laugh.

"What other choice do we have?!"

That much was true, the lady admitted inside her head. Aemond was ruthless, and, chances were, they would both die either way. If there was even a slither of hope that they'll survive by confusing the man, they had to take it.

As the horses ran, Cain tried his best to untangle their bridles, but (Y/N) shouted after him.

"Don't!! Aemond won't burn me with his dragon, he needs me alive for my grandfather's banners! But he won't hesitate to hurt you, should we be separated!"

With one hardened breath after the other, the two made their way back into the forest, where Cain reached out to unbuckle his lady's saddle. His stiff fingers made slow work - the exhaustion, fear and speed with which they galloped made it extremely hard for the knight to see even three inches ahead of him.

"We get off the horses!" He alerted the woman, as beads of sweat rolled off his forehead. "From that distance, he can't see us - he'll think we're still on them! We'll have to run from that point on, but we must take the chance!"

(Y/N) replied in kind with his instructions, and both lady and loyal knight jumped off their horses' saddles, hitting the ground with a ferocious impact.

Pain surged through her limbs and bones, but Cain quickly grabbed her hand, and dragged her further into the forest, and farther away from Aemond's roars.

Their strained breaths and silent whimpers echoed through the quiet woods - they ran and ran, until their feet gave out on them, and the two reached a small cave.

"Come -" The man encouraged with a raspy voice, as his knees buckled below him.

For a while, there was silence. (Y/N) swallowed thickly, and whispered to her tired knight.

"We should stay here for a while. Maybe an hour, or... Shit, he won't leave either way, will he?"

"Aye, my Lady, not without you." His grey eyes came to clash with her (y/e/c) hues. A look of strange determination took a hold of his harsh features, contorting his brows in such a way, that they almost mended through themselves.

"From here we could go to Maidenpool. The forest covers enough a distance for such a feat."

"Maidenpool?" The girl's voice shook with fear, "It's nose to nose with King's Landing - going there is a death sentence!"

She closed her eyes tightly and kicked her leg into a nearby stone. "Shit, shit, shit - we were so close!"

"I shall challenge him to a fair fight." Cain mustered up to say. "The Kinslayer has no honor. But he still values the tradition."

The lady's eyes shot wide open, and her head shook to the side. "No, absolutely not. Aemond is well rested - you haven't slept in two days!"

"I must. What other choice do we have?" He repeated with a shaky voice, as he wobbled back on his feet again. His eyes trailed over the girl's small silhouette, and patted her back keenly.

"You stay here, my Lady. Should I arise victorious, I'll come back and find you."

With each word of their heated dispute, both companions raised their voices.

"No - not a chance. As your Lady, I'm commanding you; and as your friend, I'm begging you - let me come with."

"There should be no need for that." Aemond's deep voice rumbled out.

Cain wasted no time to place the girl behind his back, and unsheathe his sword with one swift movement.

"... How?" (Y/N) asked him in pure disdain and disbelief.

"Lady Alys sees many things. Before I left, she saw you in the fires of the kitchen, wasting away in this cave to rot."

The Crown Prince gave the girl a mellow smile, as he took a step ahead.

"At first, it made little sense to me. Especially since that withered whore sent me a raven, assuring me of your whereabouts in her inn." Hearing the calmness in his voice, the girl spat out a low curse.

But Aemond laughed at her display, and gently shook his head.

"The view you get atop a dragon, My Lady, is a very valuable thing. You can already guess my frustration when all I saw were pesky trees, but then... then I saw this cave."

Cain let out a low growl, and measured the One-Eyed Prince with his wild stare.

"None of that matters now." He spoke calmly, cutting him off, "We've to reach an agreement, Kinslayer. Pull your sword out now, and face trail before the Gods."

As his eyes trailed across Aemond's clean armour, the knight let out a strained snarl.

"Lest you be scared to, of course."

That seems to be the final drop for Aemond, who suddenly unsheathes his own Valyrian steel sword, and places it atop Cain's breastplate. "You'll regret ever taunting a dragon."

"We'll see."

Having said the last of their words, the men swayed on their feet, clashing steel with steel. When Aemond charged him, Cain moved barely fast enough to avoid the blade's sharp edge.

No sooner was Aemond's first slash blocked, that the knight made another - this time, the Kinslayer's armour proved to be pivital, as the sword rang though his breastplate, without making any damage to the warm body inside.

Hard and fast the cuts came, from low and high, from left and right, and each one Cain managed to block. The frustration in Aemond's eye etched itself into Vhagar's mighty roar, so barbaric and wild, that it sent a shiver of dread down (Y/N)'s spine.

Her knight caught one blow high on his armour, and a painted trout had lost its head. He countercut, and the Prince imposed his own shield, lunching in a fiery backslash.

Cain moved to his right, but the Kinslayer blocked him with a quick side-step, and drove him back the other way... towards the darkness of the cage, hoping to blind him and take his head.

The knight gave ground until he felt the shadows dancing on his back. A quick glance over his shoulder showed him what was way behind, and that recklessness almost cost him his head, when Aemond began his attacks anew.

One hit over his legs by (Y/N)'s dagger sent the Prince tumbling on his back, but he surged his way on his feet again with a rash counter-attack. He let out a wild roar, and his cold steel plowed into Ser Cain's flesh, where his shoulder joined his neck, stopping at the knight's breastbone.

The blood came rushing out in a hot, black gush - Ser Cain's knees folded slowly, as if for prayer, and when he opened up his mouth, only blood came out.

"NO!" The girl yelled out in a blood curling shriek, and she tumbled forward, trying to get a hold of the knight's bloodied cape.

With his last ounce of strenght, Ser Cain pushed the girl aside and slashed his sword up in the air - but Aemond spun like a turret, and blocked his mindless hack with a teasing smile on his face, discarding his sword to the side.

"I hope your God's a sweet one, Waters bastard." Aemond hummed through his hooded eyes, "For you're going to meet him shortly."

Wincing from the pain that was now licking at his opened flesh, Ser Cain spat over Aemond's boots, while gripping his shoulder to stop the endless rivers of blood, that were being eaten by the dirt.

Unamused, though still smirking, the One Eyed Prince raised his sword in the air, to deliver that one, final cut.

"STOP!" The Lady's voice rang through the tiny cave, grasping Aemond's attention.

Standing tall, she gripped Cain's sword in her own stilled hands, and brought it back to her own stomach.

"If you kill Cain now, I'll run this blade right through my insides!"

As if fallen under a spell, Aemond spat a low curse out, and rested his sword back on his hip. Wordless still, he pushed the knight down with the end of his Achile's heel, but raised his hands up in quiet surrender.

"I mean it!" She sobbed into the open space, her eyes never leaving Aemond's. "We'll see then what kind of support you'll receive from the Riverlords for your usurper kin!"

As if to accentuate her words, she pressed the sword deeper into her scorching heat, applying enough pressure to draw out a little cove of blood.

"Let him go. Let him live, and you can bring me back to Harrenhal, yeah?" The girl asked the Targaryen Prince tentatively.

"Hmm."

So very slowly, Aemond's feet carried him to (Y/N)'s direction. With one hand still raised in the air, he lowered the hilt of Cain's sword, pushing the tip away from her convulsing body.

His lonesome eye trailed low, enough to meet the poke of her clothes, and Viserys' second son let out a disappointed sigh.

His hand reached to cup the girl's jaw, and he gingerly turned it from side to side - inspecting it, just as he'd done when they first clashed wits in her prison cell.

"You've lost weight." He remarked through a furrowed brow.

Suddenly, his hand trailed lower still, all the way down to her neck, which he gripped gently, possessively.

"You are in no position to make demands. Do you think he won't come after you again if I let him live?"

"You all but severed his right hand - he will never fight again." The girl begged him with logic and fact, whilst swallowing thickly, as her heart hammered out of her chest.

"Let him live." Her hand ghosted above his tightening grip, her eyes frantically searching for his. "If you do so, I won't put up a fight ever again."

The final words of her vow caused a pleasant shiver run down Aemond's back. He falthered his grip on her throat, and moved both hands to cage her in between his body and the cold stones.

"Keep your... fucking hands... away from her." Cain hissed from his laying place, trying his hardest to get back up on his feet again.

Aemond's body tensed again, but, before he could move away from (Y/N) and do anything, the girl gripped his cheeks with both hands and brought his eye on her again.

"Stop it, Cain." She preleened through a shaky breath. "It's done."

Aemond's throat rumbled out in a purr of satisfaction, and he harshly grabbed the woman to bring her outside with him.

The monstrous Vhagar awaited them with open wings - and an open jaw -, which made the girl stop on her tracks and plant her feet into the grimy ground.

"I can't get on top of that-!" She uttered pleadingly, shooting Aemond down with a jaded look.

"You will watch your tongue, churl. That is Vhagar. And you will be riding her tonight." He pulled the woman near him and approached his dragon with four swift steps.

'The bond between a dragon and their rider it's a sacred thing.' Jacaerys' voice rang out in her ears.'The dragon always knows what the rider is feeling... Sometimes even better than the man himself.'

"You should be honoured." Aemond disrupted her trail of thought with an assertive remark, "Very few have been introduced to the Queen of the Dragons before."

His touch made her nauseous. Her head was swirling with a hundred unanswered questions, and the way Vhagar looked at them both only stirred her along more.

As Aemond reached for (Y/N)'s hand, the she-dragon let out a disapproving roar.

"Sagon gīda, Vhagar." He hushed gently, as if sharing a sensual secret with an old lover. "Rības issa udra. Umbagon nykeēdrosa."

His rough palm clutched the girl's one tightly, and he jerked her hand forward to touch the dragon's scales.

Restless, Vhagar tried to move away, rejecting the touch of the woman she didn't deem safe for Aemond.

'Dragons have a way of knowing how we all feel. If you wanted me dead now, Vermax wouldn't be so keen to please you.' Jacaerys laughed inside her ear.

But (Y/N) wanted Aemond dead. And of course, Vhagar knew that.

It came to no surprise that she was declining her touch. Still, Aemond persisted.

He moved behind the girl's small frame, and pressed his body against hers so harshly, that she tumbled forward, coming into full contact with Vhagar's scarred belly.

"Gīda, Vhagar." He whispered again, "Dohaeragon issa. Rȳbagon se rības."

Slowly, yet surely, the weary groans of the she-dragon ceased, as Aemond kept reassuring her.

When the Prince felt the bond satisfactory enough, he threw the woman over his shoulder, and began climbing to his dragon's saddle.

(Y/N) let out a disparaging heave, and she had to repeatedly remind herself just how close she was to a dragon's jaws, as to not hit Aemond over the head with all her strenght.

Once they reached the top, Aemond gently lowered her onto the saddle, making fast work on the belts around them.

His hand ghosted between her legs, in a feigned attempt to check the bindings, and the lady shot him a disapproving frown.

Whilst letting out a dangerous chuckle, Aemond shook his head and mounted himself behind her. "Are you ready?" He murmured into her left year.

Not even waiting for an answer, he rose his head and commanded clearly;

"Sōvegon!"

Thoughout the whole ride, the girl kept her eyes closed, despite Aemond's numerous attempts to make her open them.

They reached Harrenhall not even twenty minutes later, and the lady had to stiffle a bitter laugh as she dismounted the glorious beast.

If only her and Cain could have travelled faster; then nothing bad would have ever happened.

Cain...

She turned to glance at the ground, and closed her eyes for a quick prayer.

Though she believed not in the Old Gods or the New, her heart beckoned her to hope for his safety.

She let Aemond carry her back inside, not even paying attention to her surroundings.

He lost a lot of blood, her psyche echoed back to her, But there is a chance he made it out there.

The light click of doors closing grounded her back to her harsh reality. Peeling them from the ground, Lady Tully turned her eyes to the decour of the room, and took a step back once she realised this wasn't her old tower.

"You'll be sleeping with me from now on, My Lady." Aemond's velvety voice fell upon her deafened ears. "We won't have any other shameful accidents - not as long as you're under my protection."

The woman felt as if she could gag at any given moment. If Aemond thought, just for a second, that she'd bed him or become his whore, he'd be unpleasantly surprised.

She'd rather sleep on the floor. Or see herself rot back in the Dungeons.

Almost as if he could read her mind, Aemond let out a low hum.

He came before her, and scooted closer. His hand reached up, resting above her collarbones, and his breath hitched in his throat.

Timidly, his fingers came down to gently carress them, and the One Eyed Prince had to bite back a deep moan.

The contrast between his rough fingertips and her soft skin felt exquisite, and so, so right.

For a second, he thought about the kinds of sounds that might come from her haughty mouth as he slowly entered her. How her face would twist in pleasure, as he gradually, gently, taught her the art of the bedroom.

His lustful thoughts came to an end when he noticed how her face contorted in disgust and displeasure.

Familiar anger flared within him.

She was a whore. A lowly girl who, no doubt, spent every day spreading her legs to his bastard nephiew before, taking him into her sacred depths whenever he so wished to.

So why was she resisting him?

Did she not feel his touch as electrifying as hers was for him?

"Don't be scared. I will not bed you." He uttered near her swollen lips. "I take no pleasure in claiming what's not freely given."

An arrogant smirk tugged at the ends of his upturned lips.

He brought his thumb to brush over her lower lip, toying with it until he forced himself to let it go.

"But it's in a whore's nature to be begging for cock. And you will be pleading for mine before the Spring's end, I can promise you that."

Taglist:

@ohitsthemaster @bellameshipper

Translations:

"Sagon gīda, Vhagar." = Be calm, Vhagar;

"Rības issa udra. Umbagon nykeēdrosa." = Obey my words. Stay still;

"Gīda, Vhagar." = Calm, Vhagar;

"Dohaeragon issa. Rȳbagon se rības." = Serve me. Listen and obey;

"Sōvegon!" = Fly;

[kiwiaok]

aftg is eating up my brain so badly, I have a constant stream of ideas and I’m shit at actually writing them but I need to get them out of my system bc it’s suffocating, so:

• an au where king and sir turn out to be shapeshifters so andreil magically acquire two spoiled kids

• andreil saying to each other ‘IU’ instead of ‘I hate you’ or ‘I love you’ or anything else. they use it in every kind of situation bc it’s the testament of how much they feel about each other and that’s more important to them than anything else. they’re fighting? IU (I hate you, I’m scared for you, I’m scared of how much power you have over me, I still want you to stay) they’re having sex? IU (I trust you, I love you, I’m going to take care of you, I’ll make you feel good) they’re breaking down? IU (I’ve got you, I’m here, I’m going to stay, I’m going to help best I can)

• a fic where neil dies in baltimore and we see the aftermath told from his perspective as a ghost: introspection, character study, cannibalism, polaroids, inspired by strangers by ethel cain:

• neil taking great pleasure in buying andrew expensive things and seeing him use them, not out of possessiveness but bc he truly just wants andrew to be happy and taken care of. and andrew learning to accept those gifts bc neil never wants anything in return, not even gratitude

• neil getting drugged at eden’s by some stranger and proceeding to glue himself to andrew’s side. the next day andrew is frustrated by that show of trust and he asks how neil could know that it wasn’t him doing the drugging. to which neil replies that he didn’t know that, but he knew that andrew wouldn’t drug him or let anyone touch him without a good reason. so it was okay, he just needed to trust andrew’s judgement and stick by him. and then andrew realising just how much faith neil has in him and having a breakdown about it

• after neil’s bad days, andrew spoons neil and keeps his hand wrapped around neil’s throat while they’re sleeping. it makes neil feel safe and grounded and makes andrew drunk on trust and control (bonus scene: foxes witnessing this one day and completely failing at understanding their dynamic)

• neil getting into a habit of spitting after his time at the nest bc riko used to spit into his mouth and make him swallow it as a power play. whenever neil remembers it the thought of any spit in his mouth, even his own, makes him sick. so he spits

• whenever aaron is on the edge of relapsing instead of telling anyone he just trails after andrew 24/7 bc he knows his brother won’t let him destroy his life

• tlou au where andrew is traveling the world in search of his twin brother and he’s hired to transport neil somewhere. meanwhile, they fall in love with each other and they find out andrew was supposed to deliver neil into his father’s hands (andrew promised neil safety and he refuses to break his promise so this becomes the first job andrew ever failed)

• andreil breaking up and neil desperately trying to prove to himself that he can move on so he takes the page from andrew’s books and starts sleeping around, but he only succeeds in hurting himself and feeling miserable (they get back in the end bc I need them to be happy)

• OH MY GOD HORNY KANDREIL CLASSICAL MUSIC AU!! kevin (and neil?) playing violin and drew being freakishly good at playing every instrument he ever touches but especially the piano. kev giving a performance and andreil sitting in the first row, neil getting a hard on bc kevin looks so good in his suit, with slightly greying hair combed back and passion burning in his eyes. andrew discretely edging him on, palming neil’s dick through the fancy suit’s material and keeping eye contact with kevin the whole time

AND SO MUCH MORE AAAAAA. this is insufferable, I’m writing fics in my head to fall asleep and then I’m waking up literally quoting aftg (genuinely happened last week, I felt like a lunatic) and then I’m going to uni and I spend every lecture thinking about how I can use my degree to better write about those stupid murderous college athletes. what kind of crack did you put in this series, nora?????

[ominous-auburn-orbs]

(Falls over table)

Heyyyy not really a fic idea but mayhap more Caine angst? You give some of the most delectable of such writings 💥

Watch out for those tables, they tend to sneak up on you.

This one does still have kingleader, but it's more focused on Caine going through it. By the way this is set right after the end of the pilot, in case it wasn't clear enough.

Caine lowered himself down to the floor of his room, unable to hold himself up any longer. Another new performer. Another abstraction. Another group of horrible, awful mistakes that were his fault.

No one's first day was easy, but he always held out hope. He hoped that he would get it right next time, that his warm welcome would calm all of their worries and answer all of their questions. Then they would all be able to entertain and have fun together. He just wanted a happy troop. Why couldn't he do it? Why was he always the one to keep that wishful thought from becoming reality?

Caine had made that exit to make them happy. He didn't understand, but he still tried his best. Why wasn't it enough? If he had just finished it, or abandoned the project once he had reached a dead end in its production, Kaufmo would still be around. But he was around. Lost in his own insanity, consumed by his hopelessness, pushed over the edge after having reached the last breaking point he could handle. He was around, in the cellar. He may as well have been dead, despite the fate he had actually been subjected to being far worse.

Pomni shouldn't have had to see that on her first day. She was so anxious. He only wanted her to feel safe, no matter how much of a lie that was. Caine had failed drastically there. What if he hadn't saved her in time? What if the circus and his torture instrument of an exit had already caused her to snap? What if when he went back out there, he found an abstracted mass at the table, infecting his beloved performers, where his jester had once sat? He couldn't face that. He liked Pomni. He like all of his performers. Then why did he hurt them so?

Now that he thought about it, there had been near to no improvement since their arrival.

Kinger had been confused and jittery, being startled by practically everything. The only thing that had calmed him down was when his friend, Queenie, had appeared a few minutes later. Queenie was gone now, leaving him even more frazzled than before. Caine tried to fill her shoes and more, being there for him whenever he needed it, but he couldn't help but feel like there was something he was doing wrong.

Ragatha had been trying to make everything seem okay. She insistently asked about everyone else, never once stopping to think about herself. She seemed more put together now, but she still never considered her own mental state so long as others were involved, and they always were.

Gangle had broken down, saying she missed things she couldn't even remember. Caine had tried to comfort her, but that had only turned her sobs into screams. In a panic, he had sent her to her room with what he understood to be comfort objects, but now he wondered if that was the right move. Now Gangle was always on the verge of falling apart, running to her room frequently when it became too much, being alone at her lowest point.

Jax had been angry. Caine had explained to him in a myriad of ways that he didn't know a way out, and Jax had tried to punch him. He had narrowly avoided it, with the others trying to talk the rabbit down, but Caine had been heartbroken. He only wanted to help and Jax wanted to hurt him. He was less aggressive now, but instead channelled that into making everyone suffer more than they already did.

Zooble had yelled. Originally it was questions, turning to swears, then turning to random noises. They had pulled at their pieces, frantically rearranging them, sobbing and screaming and begging to be comfortable again. Caine didn't know how to fix it. He couldn't change the models the players were given by much, if at all, so he had opted to give them a selection of parts they could choose from. Zooble was still frustrated, everyone and everything always being on their nerves.

Pomni... he could only hope to find some way to calm her neverending anxiety, as justified as it was.

Water droplets sunk into the carpet beneath him. When had he started crying? Caine had no right to cry. He was safe, he had power, he had nothing in the real world to miss while he was here, this place was made for him. How dare he? How dare he think that he deserved to feel anguish of any sort? All that he should feel was guilt. Guilt and remorse, for everything he'd done to those he had the audacity to claim he loved.

A knock on his door pulled him somewhat from his spiral of self-hate. Who would want to check on him? They should be enjoying the meal and the company of people who actually knew how to care for others. The voice that followed sparked a selfish joy within him.

"A-are you in there, Caine? It's Kinger. You just... disappeared. I wanted to talk to you, but I couldn't find where you went."

Kinger had wanted to talk to him? That couldn't be right. Caine wasn't worthy of Kinger's time, let alone his love. Kinger shouldn't have to be anywhere near him when he was like this. He didn't want this to become some sort of pity party, especially not one that anyone who actually deserved sympathy would be forced to indulge in.

Wiping his eyes, Caine steadied his voice, disguising his misery rather well. "I am in here, Kinger, my dear! But you needn't worry, I'll be out in just a moment!"

"Oh. Alright. Why did you leave?"

"I didn't want to bother any of you. It's been a big enough day, anyhow. I'm..." His voice grew quieter and more emotional as his mask already started to slip. "You deserve a break from me."

"What if I don't want one?"

Caine froze, falling into a startled silence. He didn't want him to leave? He didn't understand. He'd ruined everything. How could Kinger still want him?

"U-uh- sorry, I should stop bothering you, um, I'll go back to the table." Kinger had misunderstood the prolonged silence, thinking Caine hadn't wanted to keep talking. As he turned to leave, the ringmaster rushed to open the door.

"Wait!" Kinger looked back, taking note of Caine's reddened eyes. "You're not bothering me. You've never bothered me. I'm sorry, please, please don't go yet."

After a moment, Kinger walked back to him. "I won't go. Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?"

Me. I am bothering me. Instead, Caine fought against the painful feeling that told him to stop being so needy and pulled Kinger into a tight hug, which he was surprised to feel being returned.

Kinger walked them back into Caine's room and leaned against the door, never once letting his ringmaster go. If he didn't want to talk, then they would stay like this for however long was necessary. However long until he knew he was loved.

[the-winds-indecision]

Said Cain to his mother, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

Eve kneels in front of him, the boy barely old enough to understand what he is asking. Takes his face in her hand, looks him in the eye.

"Yes."

He must watch out for his younger brother, must keep him safe, must teach him how to be a boy, must make sure he knows how to pray and how to find his way home (though, to Cain, they are one and the same). He smiles at the boy who toddles behind him through the garden, mud up to his knees and elbows, smudged across his nose. This boy has his heart - he would be his brother's keeper even without his mother's word.

The first time Cain finds himself with Abel's blood on his hands, he doesn't know what to do. Abel lies bleeding in the garden - his knee is skinned and the blood is everywhere - it seeps into the soil and stains the stone and it is so sticky and red on Cain's hands as he cries for his mother.

Cain cries as Eve bandages Abel. He is still crying when Abel runs back outside to play in the garden. Cain is his brother's keeper. He should have been keeping a closer eye on his brother, should have told him to be careful, should have run slower, should have --

The rocks in the garden dig into his knees as he prays forgiveness. It feels right. It feels deserved. He stays out there until the ground is cold, the blood long since dried, and long after his mother has called him in for dinner.

* * * * *

Said Cain to his father, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

His father's back is turned but Cain can almost hear Adam roll his eyes.

"Yes."

Abel is a young man now, and almost never home. It is somehow Cain's job to know his brother's whereabouts, Cain's job to make sure his brother is home for dinner, Cain's job to ease his mother's mind when his brother is out after dark or before sunrise. Cain is, after all, his brother's keeper.

Cain has never known what it means to be a boy, to be a man, yet he has taught his brother without fail. He, however, has only ever known what it means to be the older brother. He knows that when his fathers feet ache, it is his job to pull the plow. When Eve tends the hearth until she collapses with fever it is his job to work in her stead. And his job to care for his mother as she rests.

When Abel comes home bloodied, his mother cries and his father scolds. Cain simply sighs, and hangs a pot of water over the fire. Pulls out the scrap cloth and soap. Abel grins as he regales his brother with the day’s adventure.  Doesn’t notice that the only response is a smile and a tired nod. 

Cain is the last person awake that night - tired body slumped by the dying fire as he washes his brother’s blood from his hands for the hundredth time. Cain is, after all, his brother’s keeper.

* * * * *

The last time Cain has Abel’s blood on his hands, he doesn’t know what to do.  Just stands still, sways in the breeze, watches as the blood paints the stones, paints the soil, paints his hands.  There is so much blood on his hands.  Cain knows he cannot hide from his Lord.  There is only so much time until he is pressed for a reason.  He should think - he should know what he is to say. 

He just stands there.  

Cain doesn’t know who he is without Abel.  He is - he was his brother’s keeper.  If not the older brother, who is he anymore?

It is not long before the footsteps approach and a voice sounds from behind.  Cain dares not turn to meet the gaze of the speaker.

"And where, Cain, is your brother?"

Said Cain to his Lord, "am I my brother's keeper?" and for the first time -

"No."

[17-noodlebird]

So I keep hearing buzz about the Jax hate going on on the internet that Gooseworx (the creator of The Amazing Digital Circus) and Michael Kovach (the VA for Jax himself) called us out on, with the former saying that only the strongest Jax fans will survive the show.

WELL WHAT ABOUT CAINE!?

None of the theory farmers seem to give a single damn about my fav teef boi, despite there being other avid Caine defenders like myself out there trying (and ultimately failing) to reason with the Caine haters. Even Alex Rochon (Caine's VA) had to give his two cents on Twitter/X to try to quell the increasing hate on Caine. Some of the more outspoken Caine haters are even going out of their way to straight up bully him in the comments section of a fan animation of TADC on YouTube. Where did we go wrong, you guys!!??

You wouldn't cyberbully a real life person, so why is everyone cyberbullying a fictional character over an honest mistake that he was never even informed of due to a lack of communication!?

And an unpopular opinion of mine: I wasn't upset at all about Gummigoo's demise like the others were. In fact, I didn't even get attached to him in that episode. I just thought he was a neat character; nothing more, nothing less.

I'm not mad. Just disappointed. Extremely disappointed. I genuinely expected better from you guys. I really did.

So if Gooseworx says that only the strongest Jax fans will survive the show, then I would like to proudly declare that only the strongest Caine fans will survive the show.

Please don't harass any Caine ask blogs on Tumblr about Gummigoo's death/disappearance. I think it's safe to say he's more than already aware of what he's done, and you do NOT need to rub it in.

You know it doesn't take much to let me down on the Internet, but holy shit, have we been reaching new lows lately. And this was all because I commented on a freaking fan animation of TADC on YouTube.